Age-specific death rates from stroke subtypes are not well documented among racial/ethnic minority populations within the United States. National Vital Statistics death certificate data were used to compare death rates for ischemic stroke (n=507,256), intracerebral hemorrhage (n=98,709) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (n=27,334) among five mutually exclusive populations (Hispanic, black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, and white) for the years 1995-1998. Comparisons of stroke subtype death with whites as the referent were made using age-standardized rates and age-specific risk ratios. Ischemic stroke accounted for 80% of all stroke deaths. Age-standardized mortality rates for the three stroke subtypes were higher among blacks than whites. Death rates from intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke were higher among blacks and Asian/Pacific Islanders than whites. All minority populations had higher death rates from subarachnoid hemorrhagic stroke than did whites. Among adults aged 25-44 years, blacks and American Indian/Alaska Native had higher risk than whites for all three stroke subtypes. Increase public health attention is needed to reduce stroke incidence and mortality, the third leading cause of death. Particular attention should be given to young minority groups. Media campaigns to increase awareness of symptoms should target the groups with the greatest burden.
Learning Objectives: The participants attending this session will acquire the ability: 1) to define the three major stroke subtypes using International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, 2) identify racial/ethnic disparities in mortality for the three major stroke subtypes, and 3) describe focus areas for public health intervention.
Keywords: Strokes, Mortality
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.