According to Orleans Parish Coroner, Dr. Dwight McKenna, stroke ranks second behind heart
disease as the leading cause of death across the world. This accounts for 1 of every 19 deaths
and remains a serious concern for medical experts and patients who suffer.

According to the Center For Disease Control:

• In 2018, 1 in every 6 deaths from cardiovascular disease was due to stroke.
• Someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds. Every 4 minutes, someone
dies of stroke.
• Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. About 610,000 of
these are first or new strokes.
• About 185,000 strokes—nearly 1 of 4—are in people who have had a previous stroke.
• About 87% of all strokes are ischemic strokes, in which blood flow to the brain is blocked.

There are signs to look out for. Experts say common signs that should prompt medical attention
are: face drooping, arm weakness and difficulty speaking. If you experience these stroke
symptoms, visual problems, dizziness, loss of balance and a bad headache it is time to call 911.
Know the warning signs and symptoms of stroke so that you can act fast if you or someone you
know might be having a stroke. The chances of survival are greater when emergency treatment
begins quickly.