Stroke is a major public health crisis in the United States, affecting hundreds of thousands annually and standing as the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of long-term disability.

Understanding the scale of the problem, the populations most affected, and the associated stroke risk factors is essential for driving effective stroke prevention efforts nationwide.  

Stroke by the Numbers:

The statistics paint a stark picture of stroke‘s prevalence and impact in the U.S.:

  • Incidence: Over 795,000 people experience a stroke each year – that’s one every 40 seconds. Around 610,000 are first-time strokes.  
  • Recurrence: Nearly 1 in 4 strokes (about 185,000 annually) occur in people who have previously had one, highlighting the critical need for secondary stroke prevention.  
  • Prevalence: Approximately 7.8 million American adults report having had a stroke.  
  • Mortality: Stroke is a leading cause of death, responsible for about 1 in every 21 deaths in 2021. Someone dies from a stroke roughly every 3 minutes and 11-14 seconds, totaling around 163,000-165,000 deaths per year recently.  
  • Disability: Stroke is a primary cause of serious, long-term disability, impacting mobility in over half of survivors aged 65+.  
  • Cost: The economic burden is immense, costing the U.S. nearly $56.2 billion between 2019 and 2020 in healthcare costs and lost productivity.  

Age and Demographic Disparities in Stroke Risk:

While stroke risk increases with age, strokes are not limited to the elderly; 38% of those hospitalized for stroke in 2014 were under 65. Significant disparities exist:  

  • Race/Ethnicity: Non-Hispanic Black adults face nearly double the risk of a first stroke compared to White adults and have the highest death rates. These mortality disparities may have widened during the recent pandemic.  
  • Gender: Although men might have higher age-adjusted rates, women live longer, giving them a higher lifetime stroke risk. Women account for about 60% of stroke deaths and often have worse functional outcomes.  

These statistics underscore that stroke prevention requires targeted approaches to address the specific needs and higher stroke risk profiles of certain populations.

Proactive Health Monitoring with Bionicc Body Screening

Given the significant impact of stroke and the disparities in stroke risk, proactive health monitoring becomes even more crucial.

Bionicc Body Screening provides full body MRI scan services in Southfield, Michigan, offering a way to gain insights into your internal health for early detection and peace of mind.

Stroke Risk Screenings

While these scans are often considered for cancer screening, a whole body MRI can detect hundreds of abnormalities, including some relevant to stroke risk.

The comprehensive full body MRI scan evaluates key areas like the brain and the carotid arteries in the neck. A stroke risk screening directly assesses stroke risk factors such as aneurysms or artery blockages.

This detailed, radiation-free whole body MRI technology can potentially identify issues before they lead to a major health event.

Bionicc Body Screening allows individuals to take control of their stroke prevention strategy without needing a doctor’s referral.

To learn more about incorporating a full body MRI scan into your health plan, visit the website at www.BioniccBodyScreening.com or call 1-833-BIONICC.