Exercise and Stroke

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An estimated 7 million Americans are living with a stroke, which is a leading cause of long-term disability. The major contributor to the anticipated increase of 4 million strokes by 2030 is hypertension, which is close to a ~25% increase in prevalence from 2010. Survivors are more sedentary than the average person, thus increasing the likelihood of falls and other chronic diseases. To increase their cardiovascular health, regular exercise is recommended. Also, regular exercise can help decrease the ~800,000 annual strokes in the United States. This is important in that strokes are the 3rd leading cause of death with huge medical cost. Fortunately, it is now medically recognized that exercise medicine improves aerobic capacity, physical functioning, and quality of life.