American Stroke Association

About the American Stroke Association

Woman standing by a building on the road

Stroke is the No. 2 cause of death worldwide and a leading cause of disability. The American Stroke Association is a relentless force for a healthier world with fewer strokes. As champions for health equity, we commit to:

  • identifying and removing barriers for health care access and quality
  • advancing cardiovascular health for all.

A stroke is a life-changing event – physically and emotionally. Every stroke is unique – and so is every recovery. As a trusted resource, look to us for the latest evidence-based information on stroke, post-stroke recovery, caregiver information, and tools, resources and education for health care professionals.

The Dallas-based association was created in 1998 as a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-4-STROKE (1-888-478-7653), or visit stroke.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.


Our Mission:

To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

Chart showing top leading causes of death globally. Source: WHO Global Health Estimates, 2019.

Top 10 Leading Causes of Death Globally
Source: WHO Global Health Estimates, 2019.

Chart showing age-adjusted total stroke mortality rates by race/ethnicity

Age-Adjusted Stroke Mortality by Race/Ethnicity
American Heart Association. Center for Health Metrics and Evaluation (CHME). Data Visualizations.

Mother and daughter standing together

May is American Stroke Month

Strokes can happen to anyone at any time. Black Americans have a higher prevalence of stroke and highest death rate from stroke compared to any other racial group. Hispanic Americans also face a high risk of stroke due to unmanaged risk factors. Let’s come together to defeat stroke by learning and sharing the F.A.S.T. warning signs. Stroke is an emergency and every second counts.
What you need to know

World Stroke Day

Stroke remains the second-leading cause of death in the world. There are an estimated 17 million strokes worldwide each year. Join the stroke community on October 29th to:

  • Raise awareness of the serious nature of stroke
  • Increase knowledge of risk factors for stroke
  • Advance recognition of warning signs of stroke (F.A.S.T.)
  • Talk about ways to reduce the burden of stroke
  • Advocate for action to improve access to treatment and care
Learn more and get involved
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man drinking coffee looking at a laptop screen

Together to End Stroke

Together is how we work — the AHA/ASA, health care professionals, stroke survivors, caregivers, sponsors, supporters and caring individuals. To End Stroke is what we’re striving for.

Sign up for the Together to End Stroke monthly E-newsletter
Learn how we’re working Together to End Stroke

Impact Report

The American Stroke Association is committed to saving people from stroke — the No. 2 cause of death in the world and a leading cause of serious disability. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat stroke.
Learn about the Impact of the American Stroke Association
doctor and patient follow up

Our 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal

As champions for health equity, by 2024, the American Heart Association will advance cardiovascular health for all, including identifying and removing barriers to health care access and quality.

Learn more about our 2024 Vision

Join the effort

The AHA makes a positive impact on lives from our offices around America and the world. Join the millions who are making a difference.

Volunteer
Work for the AHA

Our lifesaving efforts at work

Our focus on health takes many forms. If there’s an unmet need when it comes to heart disease and stroke, the AHA is there. Here are some examples:

Diversity and Inclusion
CEO Roundtable
International Programs