Stroke and Brain Attack

You’ve heard the term “sunbelt” used to describe the warm and sunny southern part of the United States. But did you know that South Carolina is also part of the so-called “Stroke Belt”- a group of 11 states with abnormally high rates of stroke? In fact, the coastal and Pee Dee regions of South Carolina have stroke rates so high they’re known as the “Stroke Buckle.” This unenviable description should serve as a warning to all South Carolinians. We must do a better job understanding, recognizing and preventing stroke.
Consider these stroke facts, provided by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control:

  • Stroke is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in adults.
  • In 2007, 18,983 South Carolinians died from cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke).
  • Stroke is the third leading cause of death in South Carolina, result in 2,460 deaths during 2007.
  • African Americans in South Carolina are 40 percent more likely to die from stroke as their white counterparts.

Stroke is preventable, with changes in diet and lifestyle and medication, if necessary. Learn the causes, risk factors and symptoms of stroke. Follow your doctor’s recommendations to reduce your risk from stroke.

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Written by: Janice C. May, M.P.A.
Reviewed by: Jeffrey G. Schultze, M.D.
Last Modified: Thursday September 26, 2019 9:09 AM