2008 Georgia Data Summary: STROKE Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Georgia and is a major cause of disability. Education and better patient care can improve stroke outcomes. DEFINITION A stroke, or brain tissue death, can be the result of a thrombus (blocked artery) or a hemorrhage (ruptured artery) that prevents blood flow to the brain. A transient ischemic attack is a temporary blockage of blood flow in the brain, which causes a short-lived neurological deficit. Some strokes can be prevented through behavioral modification. Age-Adjusted Stroke Death Rates by County, Georgia, 2001-2006 DEATHS Stroke was the third most frequent cause of death in Georgia, accounting for 6% of all deaths, with 3,826 stroke deaths in 2006. HOSPITALIZATIONS In 2006, strokes were responsible for 18% of all cardiovascular deaths in Georgia. In 2006, Georgia's stroke death rate was 16% higher than the national rate. Approximately 23,000 hospitalizations occurred among Georgia residents due to stroke in 2006. In 2006, 16% of cardiovascular hospitalizations were attributable to stroke. The stroke death rate in Georgia was 1.4 times higher The average hospitalization length of stay for stroke for blacks than whites in 2006. was 6 days in 2006. 23% of persons dying from stroke in Georgia in 2006 were less than 65 years old. ESTIMATED COSTS Stroke Death Type # GA Deaths (2006) Acute, ill-defined 2,174 Sequelae 333 Subarachnoid hemorrhage 167 Other hemorrhage 825 Occlusion 144 Other, ill-defined 183 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Stroke Deaths (total) 3,826 Total hospital charges for stroke in Georgia were $618 million in 2006. The average charge per stroke hospitalization in Georgia was $26,900 in 2006. The cost of stroke in Georgia in 2006 is estimated at $1.5 billion, which includes direct health care costs and lost productivity from morbidity and mortality (indirect costs).1 1 Derived from national estimates published by the American Heart Association. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics - 2005 Update. Dallas, TX: American Heart Association; 2005. Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health 2 Peachtree Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 657-3103 ga-cvh@dhr.state.ga.us http://health.state.ga.us STROKE RISK FACTORS SMOKING 3,289 deaths due to CVD were attributable to smoking among adults ages 35 or older in 2006. Quitting smoking greatly reduces the risk for heart disease and stroke. In Georgia, 19% of adults ages 35 or older reported smoking cigarettes in 2007. LACK OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Lack of physical activity increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. Regular physical activity helps to maintain proper body weight and improves general health. In 2007, 25% of adults in Georgia had no leisure time physical activity in the last 30 days. POOR EATING HABITS Poor eating habits such as a high-fat diet can lead to obesity, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases. Eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day can help prevent heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions. The majority (75%) of adults in Georgia did not consume the recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day in 2007. OBESITY Obesity, which is present in 29% of adults in Georgia, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE High blood pressure can be controlled through lifestyle changes such as physical activity and healthy diet and, if necessary, medications. The percentage of adults in Georgia who have been told that they have high blood pressure increased from 21% in 1997 to 30% in 2007. HIGH CHOLESTEROL Many people can control high cholesterol by modifying their diet. For those who cannot, medication can lower blood cholesterol levels. The percentage of adults in Georgia who have been told that they have high cholesterol increased from 24% in 1997 to 37% in 2007. DIABETES Diabetes can cause atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries. Diabetes increases the risk for CVD death. The percentage of adults who report having diabetes increased from 4% in 1997 to 10% in 2007. Percent Prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease among adults, Georgia, 2007 100 75 80 60 40 19 25 20 29 30 37 0 Current smoker No leisure time <5 fruits and Ob es e Ever had high Ever had high physical activity vegetables per da y blood pressure (1) cholesterol (2) (1) The percentage of Georgians who reported having been told they had high blood pressure (2) Of persons who had their blood cholesterol level checked, the percentage told that they have high cholesterol Data Source: Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2007 10 Di abet es Date updated: July 2008 Publication number: DPH08/219HW Visit http://health.state.ga.us/epi/cdiee/index.asp for more information about stroke and other chronic diseases in Georgia. Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health 2 Peachtree Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 657-3103 ga-cvh@dhr.state.ga.us http://health.state.ga.us