Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (or ruptures).source: American Stroke Association.
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Worldwide Statistics
According to the World Health Organization, 15 million people suffer stroke worldwide each year. Of these, 5 million die and another 5 million are permanently disabled.
High blood pressure contributes to more than 12.7 million strokes worldwide.
Europe averages approximately 650,000 stroke deaths each year.
In developed countries, the incidence of stroke is declining, largely due to efforts to lower blood pressure and reduce smoking. However, the overall rate of stroke remains high due to the aging of the population.
Types of Stroke:
- Ischemic stroke can be divided into two main types: thrombotic and embolic. Deprived of oxygen and other nutrients, the brain suffers damage as a result of the stroke. A thrombotic stroke occurs when diseased or damaged cerebral arteries become blocked by the formation of a blood clot within the brain.
- Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures.
It pays to be aware of the dangers of stroke. Early detection save lives.
Nowadays, his disease knows no age unlike in the olden times when only older people suffer from this disease. I come to know of children as young as 2 years old had suffered from stroke. Teens may also become victims of stroke.
Remember this: THE LIFE YOU SAVE MAYBE YOUR OWN!