According to information published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke deaths related to strokes have declined significantly over the past several decades.  Stroke - related deaths dropped from third to fourth as a leading cause of death.

Daniel T. Lackland, Dr. P.H., chair of the statement writing committee and professor of epidemiology at the Medical University of South Carolina, says "The decline is real, not a statistical fluke or the result of more people dying of lung disease, the third leading cause of death."  Efforts to lower blood pressure have been great contributors to the change according to Dr. Lackland.

The Dr. also stated that efforts to stop smoking, control cholesterol and diabetes along with more exercise and reduced salt intake all were factors in cutting down stroke deaths.

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