American Heart Association joins international organizations to fight the global threat of stroke

During this year's observance of "World Stroke Day," Thursday, October 29, the American Heart Association and its division, the American Stroke Association, will join international organizations with a unified message about the global threat of stroke. This year's theme is, "What Can I Do?"

"Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, the second leading cause of death in the world and a leading cause of severe, long-term disability," said Pierre Fayad, M.D, American Stroke Association spokesperson and chairman of the Department of Neurological Sciences at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. "The American Stroke Association is focused on reducing risk, disability and death from stroke through research, education, fund raising and advocacy. Everyone can take action against stroke."

Stroke occurs when a vessel in or leading to the brain bursts or is blocked by a blood clot. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every 3 to 4 minutes.

With the theme of "What Can I Do?" World Stroke Day 2009 encourages people all over the world to take action against stroke. Some ideas include committing yourself to learn about stroke risks and warning signs or volunteering to help educate others about stroke.

Also, individuals may advocate for laws in their states to improve stroke treatment and reduce disparities or donate to organizations that focus on stroke.

"World Stroke Day dedicates a day of awareness to the issue of stroke once a year," said Dr. Vladimir Hachinski, chairman of the World Stroke Day Working Group and first vice president of the World Federation of Neurology. "Each of us must confirm our commitment in the fight against stroke not just today, but every day."

The World Stroke Organization (WSO) was created on October 29, 2006, at the Regional World Stroke Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, when the International Stroke Society and the World Stroke Federation merged to form one single organization. Since then, the annual World Stroke Day is held on the "birthday" of the WSO - October 29.