EPIDEMIOLOGY OF STROKE IN HISPANIC AMERICANS

Background and Purpose In 1990 cerebrovascular disease was the fourth leading cause of death in Hispanics in the United States. However, little information has been published about the epidemiology of stroke in US Hispanic populations. Methods Data from the National Center for Health Statistics were examined to characterize the pattern of stroke occurrence and risk factors among Hispanics in the United States. Results In 1989 through 1991, stroke death rates were similar in Hispanics and whites aged 45 to 64 years; at ages 65 and over, Hispanics had rates that were substantially lower than those of whites. Data from national surveys suggest that the ethnic differences in stroke mortality may be due in part to lower blood pressure in Hispanics than non-Hispanics. Conclusions Cohort studies, well-designed case-control studies, and continued oversampling of Hispanics in national surveys are needed to further define the epidemiological patterns of stroke in US Hispanics and to guide stroke prevention efforts.