MMWR: Stroke Rates Increased by 15% Among Adults Younger Than 65

CDC’s new MMWR shows that from 2011 to 2022, stroke rates among adults under 65 rose by 15%, according to the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Higher stroke rates were noted among adults aged 65 and older, non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders, Black adults, and those with lower education.

Recognizing stroke symptoms—such as facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulties—is crucial, and immediate action by calling 9-1-1 can save lives. Stroke remains the fifth leading cause of death and a major cause of long-term disability in the U.S. The CDC’s Million Hearts® initiative aims to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes in the next five years by promoting cardiovascular health and health equity. Read more in CDC’s MMWR here.