During an ischemic stroke, the average patient loses 32,000 brain cells every second. – American Heart Association

Smokers have about twice the stroke risk of nonsmokers. – American Heart Association

High blood pressure is the most important risk factor for stroke. – American Heart Association

Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States. – American Heart Association

About 15 percent of strokes are preceded by a TIA. – American Heart Association

About half of patients who experience a TIA fail to report it to their healthcare providers. – American Heart Association

Stroke killed 150,074 people in 2004. It's the third largest cause of death, ranking behind "diseases of the heart" and all forms of cancer. – American Heart Association

28% of people who suffer a stroke in a given year are under the age of 65. – The Internet Stroke Center

Every 45 seconds someone in the United States will experience a stroke. – www.strokeawareness.org

Over the course of a lifetime, four out of every five American families will be touched by stroke – www.strokeawareness.org

People with diabetes, especially whose who have high blood pressure, are at increased risk for stroke. – www.strokeawareness.org