Focus On
Stroke
Stroke, also known as cerebrovascular disease, is one of two major components of cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death and major contributor to health care costs in Kansas. Stroke is responsible for about 1 in 16 deaths to Kansas residents.
Stroke Indicator Map: Stroke: Medicare Population
This indicator shows the percentage of Medicare beneficiaries who were treated for stroke.
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for persons aged 65 years or older, persons under age 65 years with certain disabilities, and persons of any age with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Data Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and Kansas, and is a major cause of adult disability. In 2012 over 1,300 Kansas residents died from stroke (cerebrovascular disease). The Kansas Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program facilitated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment was established in July 2003 to engage partner organizations in developing a State Cardiovascular Health Plan and facilitate a response to the priority areas identified.
Anyone can have a stroke at any age. Your chances of having a stroke increase if you have certain risk factors. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from a stroke is to understand your risk and how to manage it. Some of the risk factors for stroke cannot be controlled, such as your age or family history. But you can take steps to lower your risk by changing the factors you can control. You may be able to prevent stroke or reduce your risk through healthy lifestyle changes. In addition, medication can reduce stroke risk for some people.