Stroke is a type of cardiovascular disease. It affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it starts to die. Stroke is the nation's third leading cause of death. There are different types of strokes, but regardless of type, surviving a stroke can have a devastating impact, not only on the survivor, but on everyone who cares about them. 

Here are some annual statistics:

• 750,000+ victims
• 160,000 deaths (3rd leading cause of death)
• 266,000 survivors with permanent disabilities
• 30,000 new permanent admissions to nursing homes
• Over 4 million living survivors of stroke
• Every 45 seconds in the USA, someone has a stroke
• Huge economic impact with costs of $40-$70 billion per year

Carotid artery disease is the leading cause of strokes.  More than 50% of stroke victims present no warning signs.  After the age of 55, the risk of stroke doubles every 10 years.  Most significantly, 97% of the adult population cannot name a single warning sign of a stroke.