A new study has identified Florida as the state with the second-highest stroke-related deaths per 100,000 residents.
The comprehensive national study conducted by criminal defense and personal injury lawyers at Suzuki Law Offices examined 2023 stroke-related death data across the United States from the National Safety Council’s Injury Facts. These death rates were compared to the population data of each state to calculate stroke-related deaths per 100,000 residents.
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In 2023, stroke was the cause of approximately 165,393 deaths in the United States, making it the 5th leading cause of death, according to the CDC. This statistic includes deaths where it was the underlying cause or mentioned as another cause of death on the death certificate. The death rate in 2023 was 66.5 per 100,000 population, which is a 2.3% decrease from 2022, according to Injury Facts.
Florida, holding the second position, was revealed to have 73.36 stroke-related deaths per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average of 49.6 per 100,000. The Sunshine State, with a population of 22,610,726, recorded 16,587 related deaths in 2023.
The Stroke Belt
The stroke belt refers to regions in the southeastern United States with a disproportionately high rate of stroke mortality. This area, often described as a “super belt” or “buckle,” includes the Carolinas and Georgia, and has higher mortality rates than other states within the overall Stroke Belt. This “belt” generally includes states like Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Counties in the top quartile of hospitalization rates for older adults were concentrated in the Stroke Belt, specifically the Mississippi Delta region, and into Oklahoma and Texas, according to a CDC study.
Methodology
The study analyzed related death data from the National Safety Council’s Injury Facts and compared it with population statistics from the World Population Review. Related deaths per 100,000 residents were calculated, and scores were assigned based on these per capita rates. A total score out of 100 was used to rank the states by their stroke-related death rates, providing a comprehensive look at the impact across different states in the U.S.
Looking at the study, a spokesperson from Suzuki Law Offices commented:
“In the unfortunate event of a stroke, the impact on families is devastating, both emotionally and financially.
“The troubling rise in stroke-related deaths across Florida highlights the urgent need for immediate action at both personal and governmental levels. Families can take important steps to reduce the risk by encouraging healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and closely monitoring blood pressure.”
“Additionally, it is essential for Florida to increase funding for public health initiatives focused on stroke prevention and awareness. Immediate access to medical intervention and long-term care resources is crucial in helping families navigate the challenges that follow a stroke.”
Table of Extended Results
What is a CVA?
Stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Without oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin to die within minutes. This interruption can damage brain cells, leading to various neurological deficits.
Causes
- Ischemic (87%): A blood clot blocks an artery in the brain, cutting off blood flow.
- Hemorrhagic (13%): A blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding into the brain tissue.
They are further classified based on where in the brain the blockage or bleeding occurs.
Symptoms
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body (face, arm, leg)
- Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking, or understanding speech
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden severe headache
- Sudden difficulty walking, loss of balance, or coordination
BE FAST
It is important to know the signs and symptoms of a stroke; to this end, the acronym BE FAST was created to raise awareness.
- B= balance loss
- E= eyesight changes
- F= facial drooping
- A= arm weakness
- S= speech difficulty
- T= time to call 911
Treatment
- Ischemic: Prompt medical attention is crucial. Treatment may include clot-busting medications, surgery to remove the clot, or a combination of both.
- Hemorrhagic: Treatment focuses on controlling bleeding, such as through surgery or medication.
Prevention
It is important to note that having a stroke puts you at risk for having another. But there are steps you can take to reduce that risk, which starts with identifying the cause as well as learning your personal risk factors.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (diet, exercise, weight management)
- Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
- Quitting smoking: Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
Outlook
The outcome depends on factors such as the severity of the damage, the type of stroke, and the promptness of treatment. Some people may recover fully, while others may experience long-term disabilities.
Stroke Recovery
Stroke recovery involves a period of rehabilitation focused on regaining lost abilities and adjusting to any new or changed disabilities. This process can involve various types of therapy, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as cognitive rehabilitation, and may continue for weeks, months, or even years.
Early Treatment and Initial Recovery
The moment you enter the ER, treatment begins to save your life and limit stroke damage. If medically stable, rehab may start within 24 hours. The first few weeks involve intensive inpatient rehab to assess post-event side effects and focus on getting you back home.
Initial Rapid Recovery
The most rapid recovery typically occurs within the first three to four months.
Continued Rehabilitation
After the initial period, recovery continues at a slower pace, but it doesn’t end. Some survivors can continue to improve for up to 18 months, depending on the rehab they receive.
Types of Rehabilitation
- Physical Therapy: Helps regain movement, coordination, and balance through exercises.
- Occupational Therapy: Focuses on improving daily activities like dressing, bathing, and eating.
- Speech Therapy: Addresses speech and swallowing difficulties.
- Cognitive Rehabilitation: Helps improve memory, concentration, and other mental abilities.
Where to Receive Rehabilitation
Rehab can be provided in the hospital, a special rehabilitation center, a skilled nursing facility, or even at home, depending on the individual’s needs and the severity of the stroke.
Factors Affecting Recovery
The severity of the stroke, the speed of initial treatment, the type and intensity of rehabilitation, and individual factors like motivation and social support all play a role in recovery outcomes.
Mental Health
Recovery can also involve addressing mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, which can be supported through therapy, support groups, and medication.
Stroke Prevention
Prevention involves taking steps to reduce the risk of developing a stroke, which occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. This can be achieved by managing modifiable risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and lack of physical activity.
Understanding Stroke Risk Factors
- 1. Non-modifiable factors: These include age, family history, and certain genetic conditions.
- 2. Modifiable factors: These are risk factors that can be changed through lifestyle modifications and medical interventions:
- High blood pressure: Maintaining a blood pressure of less than 120/80 mmHg is recommended.
- High cholesterol: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends managing cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and medication if necessary.
- Diabetes: The American Heart Association suggests managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication.
- Smoking: Quitting smoking significantly reduces stroke risk.
- Obesity: Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can lower the risk.
- Lack of physical activity: The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Unhealthy diet: The American Heart Association emphasizes eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Atrial fibrillation (Afib): The University of Kentucky suggests getting treatment for Afib to prevent blood clots from forming in the heart and traveling to the brain.
Lifestyle Modifications for Stroke Prevention
- Manage blood pressure: Reduce salt intake, increase potassium intake through fruits and vegetables, and consider medication if needed.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Harvard Health recommends losing even a small amount of weight if overweight.
- Get regular physical activity: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Quit smoking: Most experts advise quitting smoking as soon as possible.
- Eat a healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
- Limit alcohol consumption: The Stroke Foundation – Australia advises moderate alcohol intake.
- Manage existing medical conditions: The CDC emphasizes the importance of managing diabetes, high blood pressure, and other conditions.
The Importance of Early Intervention
- Prevention is key: The sooner you take steps to manage your risk factors, the better.
- Know your risk: The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada suggests having regular checkups with your doctor to assess your risk.
- Be proactive: Focus on a healthy lifestyle to manage risk factors, as well as consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice on stroke prevention.
Note: If you or someone you know experiences any symptoms of a stroke, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Time is critical in preventing permanent brain damage, every minute counts. One person’s experience with stroke can be different than another’s. The information provided here is for general knowledge and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized diagnosis and treatment options.
This article was written by TJ Webber at the WHN News Desk, which was created with some of the information supplied by Suzuki Law Offices based in Phoenix, Arizona.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
