Stroke Epidemiology

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States and worldwide, with a burdensome economic toll on the healthcare system. In the United States, between 2017 and 2018, the annual cost of stroke care was estimated to be $52.8 billion. There is a geographic discrepancy in stroke incidence within the United States, with the highest rates of stroke and stroke-related mortality in southeastern states. Stroke incidence has decreased by 32% in adults aged 65 or older but increased in the younger population. This chapter will review the epidemiology and recent statistics regarding stroke in the United States and globally.