Surviving a stroke is the number one risk factor for suffering another, possibly more serious, or harmful, stroke. In fact, almost one-third of the 780,000 strokes suffered each year in the United States are recurrent strokes.1
There are nearly 6 million stroke survivors in the United States2, many of whom live each day with the affect of this life-changing event. Not only do stroke survivors deal with the impact stroke has on their bodies, but they also face the challenges of their conditions. This can greatly affect every aspect of their lives, including relationships with their families, friends, and those who care for them.
One of the worst realities of stroke survivorship is that it's the biggest risk factor for suffering another stroke. In fact, more than one-third of people who survive a stroke will suffer another one within five years3. And the second stroke is often far worse than the first.
About
The Second Chances Study
The Second Chances study, completed in April 2008, was developed to help understand the effects of surviving a stroke, both on patients and their loved ones. In simple terms, the study attempted to uncover the true challenges of surviving a stroke.
Preliminary results of the study found patients who have survived a stroke report surprisingly high overall life satisfaction. Among people who care for stroke survivors, the results were less positive, with caregivers generally reporting more symptoms of depression than their patients.
