Strokes are the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability in the world, according to the World Health Organization.
Anyone can suffer a stroke at any age, but it most commonly affects older adults. In fact, global data published by the WHO suggests that roughly one in four adults over the age of 25 will experience a stroke in their lifetime.
The single leading contributor to stroke is hypertension, or high blood pressure. Cardiovascular diseases multiply stroke risk by five times, and those with specific genetic or lifestyle risk factors are also more vulnerable.
Celebrities are not immune to stroke. But what is surprising is the number of famous faces who've suffered this medical emergency under the age of 56, with some sadly succumbing to the attack.
In this gallery, we profile 16 well-known stars from the sports and entertainment industries who've experienced this frightening and debilitating condition. Read to learn more.