Differences in Stroke Mortality Among Adults Aged 45 and Over: United States, 2010–2013

Despite steady decreases in U.S. stroke mortality over the past several decades, stroke remained the fourth leading cause of death during 2010–2012 and the fifth leading cause in 2013.

Most studies have focused on the excess mortality experienced by black persons compared with white persons and by residents of the southeastern states, referred to as the Stroke Belt. Few stroke mortality studies have focused on Asian or Pacific Islander and Hispanic persons or have explored urban–rural differences.

A new NCHS report provides updated information about stroke mortality among U.S. residents aged 45 and over during 2010–2013 by age, race and ethnicity, income,  urban–rural residence, and residence inside or outside the Stroke Belt.

Key Findings from the Report:

• During 2010–2013, the age-adjusted stroke death rate for non-Hispanic black men aged 45 and over (154.8 deaths per 100,000 population) was 54% to 68% higher than the rates for men of the same age in other race-ethnicity groups. The rate for non-Hispanic black women aged 45 and over was 30% to 61% higher than the rates for women of the same age in other race-ethnicity groups.
• The age distribution of stroke deaths differed by race and ethnicity.
• Stroke death rates were 32% higher in counties in the lowest median household income quartile than in counties in the highest income quartile.
• Nonmetropolitan counties had higher stroke death rates than counties at other urbanization levels.
• Stroke mortality inside and outside the Stroke Belt differed by race and ethnicity.