Why Do Southerners Face Greater Stroke Risk?

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According to the CDC, Georgia's stroke death rate was 14 percent higher than the national rate in 2013.

The South has a lot of nicknames. "The Bible Belt." "Dixieland." And when it comes to health, we're known as the Stroke Belt.

Studies say stroke risk in this 11-state region, which includes Georgia, is 34 percent higher for the general population than elsewhere in the United States.

 On Second Thought host Adam Ragusea speaks with James Lugtu of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.

The Marcus Stroke Network wants to change that. Funded by a $15 million gift from the Marcus Foundation, The new initiative brings together the resources of the Grady Health System, Emory University School of Medicine, Boca Raton Regional Hospital and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association "to help reduce stroke disability and death rates in the Southeastern United States."

We spoke about the innovative partnership with 

James Lugtu of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. 

Guest 

James Lugtu, National Clinic Program Manager, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association 

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Southerners face a higher stroke risk than any other general population in the United States.