What Is The Stroke Belt?

The ‘Stroke Belt’ refers to a group of states in the southeastern U.S. where stroke rates are significantly higher than the national average.

Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, SouthCarolina, Tennessee, and Virginia

Why the higher risk?

  • Elevated rates of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and smoking

  • Limited access to healthcare in rural areas

  • Socioeconomic challenges

  • Dietary patterns and cultural norms

  • Higher prevalence of physical inactivity

The region experiences 22%higher stroke deaths overall compared with the rest if the country.

Strokes in Arkansas

Arkansas sits near the top of national stroke rankings and is part of the core Stroke Belt.

“Arkansas has some of the highest stroke deaths in the U.S…. In 2023, 1852 Arkansas died fromStroke.”

Key Arkansas facts:

  • 11,605 Arkansans had a stroke in 2023.

  • 1,852 deaths occurred from stroke that same year.

  • Arkansas ranks 4th highest in stroke mortality nationally.

  • About 32 Arkansans are hospitalized for stroke every day.

  • Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the state.

Geographic disparities are stark:

  • Southern and eastern counties show the highest hospitalization and death rates.

  • Northwest Arkansas counties like Benton and Washington have some of the lowest rates due to better healthcare access and healthier demographics.

Socioeconomic factors play a major role. Rural poverty, limited transportation, and fewer clinics contribute to delayed treatment and poorer outcomes.