Rate of stroke deaths among middle-age US adults hit two-decade high during Covid pandemic, report shows

Middle-age people in the United States are experiencing a rise in stroke deaths, according to a report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. After a decade of decline, the death rate from stroke for individuals aged 45 to 64 started to increase in 2012. The stroke death rate for this age group grew 7% from 2012 to 2019 and spiked another 12% during the early years of the Covid-19 pandemic. While stroke deaths slightly decreased in 2022, they remained significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. Middle-age men, particularly Black men, and individuals residing in the South are more likely to die from a stroke. Racial and ethnic disparities in stroke death rates are higher among middle-age adults compared to older adults. Experts emphasize the importance of monitoring health and managing risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity during middle age. Prompt action and equitable access to healthcare are crucial for stroke diagnosis and treatment. Recognizing stroke symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention can significantly impact recovery.