Stroke belt

Stroke Belt

The Stroke Belt is a region in the southeastern United States that has been recognized by public health authorities for having an unusually high incidence of stroke and other forms of cardiovascular disease.

Geography

The Stroke Belt includes the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Some studies also include North Florida and eastern Texas.

Causes

The causes for the high incidence of stroke in the Stroke Belt are not entirely understood, but likely factors include regional differences in lifestyle, diet, smoking habits, and access to medical care. Some research suggests that living in this region at the time of birth or during childhood increases the risk of stroke in later life.

Prevention and Treatment

Efforts to reduce the rates of stroke in the Stroke Belt include public health interventions to improve diet, increase physical activity, reduce smoking, and improve access to medical care. In addition, research is ongoing to better understand the causes of the high stroke incidence in this region.

See Also

• Cardiovascular disease
• Stroke
• Public health

Stroke belt Resources
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