A few facts about strokes

• Stroke is the second greatest killer in Australia – second only to coronary heart disease. It is also a leading cause of disability⁸.
• A stroke happens when the supply of blood to the brain is suddenly disrupted – either because an artery is blocked by a clot of plaque, or because the artery breaks or bursts.
• According to the National Stroke Foundation, one Australian suffers a stroke every ten minutes.
• One in five people will die within one month of having their first stroke, and one in three will die within a year⁸. Once you return home after having a stroke, the rehabilitation process is very important.
• In Australia, the number of people who suffer strokes has been increasing due to our ageing population.
• A stroke can either be an Ischaemic stroke (blocked artery) or a haemorrhagic stroke, which is a bleed in the brain. This happens when the brain can't get the oxygen it needs – and brain cells in the area die and become permanently damaged.
• Since a stroke affects the brain, it can subsequently affect the way we move, think, eat and even speak. Some people lose the ability to do things which the affected part of their brain controls. This could include an inability to move one side of the body, or trouble thinking or speaking.
• Stroke kills more Australian women than breast cancer⁸.

For more information:

• FAQs about strokes
• Life post a stroke
• Stroke risk factors
• Cartia – more information