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Progress in reducing stroke mortality in Wisconsin, 1984-1998.
BACKGROUND: Despite recent advances in the prevention and treatment of stroke, it remains one of the leading causes of death in Wisconsin and the nation. This report examines trends in stroke mortality in Wisconsin over the past two decades and assesses progress toward reaching the Healthier People in Wisconsin 2000 objective of a 33% reduction in stroke mortality.
METHODS: Trends in stroke mortality for Wisconsin were examined across gender, age, and racial subgroups. Stroke mortality rates (ICD-9 430-438) were extracted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's database via WONDER, for the period 1979-1998.
RESULTS: Overall stroke mortality rates in Wisconsin decreased 11% from 1984-1986 to 1996-1998. Blacks had higher stroke mortality rates than whites, and males had higher rates than females. From 1984 to 1998, stroke mortality decreased more in men than in women for both races. In blacks under 65, both males and females experienced an increase in stroke mortality from 1984 to 1998.
CONCLUSION: This analysis indicates mixed progress in the reduction of stroke mortality in Wisconsin. As of 1998, Wisconsin had not made enough progress to enable it to meet the public health agenda goal for the year 2000.
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