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The “Stroke Belt”
The “Stroke Belt” is a region of 8-12 states where the death rates for stroke are significantly higher than for the rest of the country. This region includes: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. It often includes: Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia and Washington D.C.
Within this region is a smaller, sub-region known as the “Stroke Buckle.” This is where the highest stroke death rates are clustered, and it includes the coastal plains regions of Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. The stroke death rate in this Stroke Buckle is two times that of the rest of the nation.
Causes for this excess stroke death rate in the Stroke Belt and Stroke Buckle regions are unknown; however suggested causes include:
- Higher prevalence of stroke risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol;
- Lack of or inadequate access to healthcare;
- Geographical factors.
View the stroke buckle here.
Source: Tri-State Stroke Network
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