Meanwhile, residents in rural areas can take steps to protect themselves. “Be aware of signs and symptoms of stroke, and seek care urgently if any symptoms develop. To the extent possible, be as aggressive as you can with preventive efforts like blood pressure control. The best way to survive a stroke is to not have one in the first place,” Hammond said.

According to the American Stroke Association, the most common symptoms of stroke are known as F.A.S.T., face drooping, arm weakness, speech and time to call 9-1-1. Bystanders should call 911 for immediate help even if the symptoms go away.


The study was limited in not having information on the severity of stroke or on factors that determine who is eligible for advanced therapies (such as the size of clot, where it is located, and the length of time between the onset of stroke and the patient arriving at the hospital).

“Future studies using more detailed clinical data will be important to follow up on our findings and to determine why patients in rural areas aren’t receiving advanced therapies. Is it because their stroke severity is different? Or because delays in getting to the hospital meant they weren’t eligible by the time they arrived? Those questions can’t be answered with administrative data, but they’re very important to look into so that we can develop effective solutions,” Joynt Maddox said.

Other co-authors are Alina A. Luke, M.P.H.; Lauren Elson, B.A.; and Amytis Towfighi, M.D.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health funded the study.

Additional Resources:

Available multimedia is on right column of release link: https://newsroom.heart.org/news/disparities-in-stroke-care-at-urban-vs-rural-hospitals-impacts-quality-of-care-patient-survival?preview=75895080857aad9a73218e8d0cdc4929
After June 18, view the manuscript online.
Joint statement on health equity, social justice and civil unrest from the Association of Black Cardiologists, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology
American Heart Association issues call to action for addressing inequities in rural health
Interim guidance issued on stroke care during COVID-19 pandemic
F.A.S.T. – Stroke Warning Signs
Twenty things you didn’t know about stroke, that may save a life
Follow AHA/ASA news on Twitter @HeartNews
Follow news from Stroke, the ASA/AHA journal @StrokeAHA_ASA
Statements and conclusions of study authors published in American Heart Association scientific journals are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association’s policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific Association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content.

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