Study Finds Decrease in Incidence of Stroke, Subsequent Death

In a study that included a large sample of black and white U.S. adults from several communities, rates of stroke incidence and subsequent death decreased from 1987 to 2011, with decreases varying across age-groups, according to a study in a recent issue of the JAMA. Researchers examined trends in stroke incidence and subsequent death among black and white adults in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort, a study of 15,792 residents in four communities in the U.S., ages 45 to 64 years at baseline (1987-1989). The communities were Minneapolis; Washington County, Md.; Forsyth County, N.C.; and Jackson, Miss. For this analysis, the researchers followed-up on 14,357 participants free of stroke at baseline for all stroke hospitalizations and deaths from 1987 to 2011. During the study period, there were 7 percent participants with incident stroke. The researchers found a significant decrease in stroke incidence from 1987 to 2011 in both whites and blacks, as well as men and women, but this decrease was seen only above age 65 years, with younger participants experiencing stable stroke incidence rates. To learn more about the study, click here.