Key Points
- This review aims to explore the historical transition of stroke as a leading cause of death in the United States and its contributing factors.
- Narrative review of historical stroke mortality data from 1931 to 2008
- Analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Vital Statistics Reports
- Age-adjusted annual stroke death rates decreased to 40.6 per 100,000 in 2008 from 175.0 per 100,000 historically (1931-1960)
- Total stroke deaths in the U.S. fell from 214,000 in 1973 to 134,000 in 2008
- Improved stroke prevention and acute care significantly contributed to the decline, alongside persistent disparities in mortality.
Structured PICO
PPopulationUnited States population from 1931 to 2008 based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Vital Statistics Reports
OOutcomeStroke mortality rates and rank among leading causes of deathhard clinical
Stroke has declined from the third to the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, reflecting decades of progress in prevention and acute care.