U.S. Stroke Rates Decline, But Diabetes Rates Increase

A new study conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has found that for the first time in over 20 years, there has been a 24 percent decline in first-time strokes. Overall, they also noted a 20 percent reduction in post-stroke deaths. Unfortunately, along with the decrease of this health issue, there has also been a spike in obesity and type 2 diabetes, particularly among younger populations throughout the United States. 

Though stroke remains the fourth-leading killer in the United States, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the new report illustrates a decrease in deaths for strokes themselves that extends to blacks and whites, men and women.

"We can congratulate ourselves that we are doing well, but stroke is still the No. 4 cause of death in the United States," said Josef Coresh, MD, PhD, a professor of epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, in a news release. "This research points out the areas that need improvement. It also reminds us that there are many forces threatening to push stroke rates back up and if we don't address them head-on, our gains may be lost."

Furthermore, the decline was seen in those 65 and older, but not in younger populations. Due to an obesity spike among younger populations, there could be a potential increase in stroke cases as some of the individuals age.

The study was based on data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which used the data of 15,792 residents, ranging in age from 45-64, from four U.S. communities. The study period was from 1987 to 2011.

Findings revealed that seven percent of the participants had their first stroke throughout the 24-year study period, while 58 percent of them died during this time. However, the rates of stroke also fell by 24 percent throughout the period and death rate fell by 20 percent.

Researchers are pegging many of the health improvements to better control of blood pressure and cholesterol, better medical care following stroke and less smoking, overall.

However, Coresh said that diabetes rates have increased, noting the necessity for healthy diet and regular exercise at an early age. This could help to prevent stroke future strokes and save more lives, according to Coresh.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the medical jouranl JAMA.