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Stroke/STEMI

Heart disease, including a severe type of heart attack resulting from a blocked artery known as a STEMI (ST- elevation myocardial infarction), is the leading cause of death in Michigan. Stroke, the result of an interruption or decrease in blood supply to the brain, is the 5th leading cause of death in Michigan and exceeds the national average.  In 2020, strokes killed 5,873 Michigan residents and heart disease killed 27,090. 

Like traumatic injuries, stroke and STEMI are highly time sensitive medical emergencies. Every minute lost from the time of injury or the onset of stroke or STEMI symptoms to specialized treatment results in some loss of either brain or heart tissue and/or the loss of some degree of personal function. Medical research and the experience of other states has shown that a formal system of trauma, stroke and STEMI care that includes timely recognition of symptoms, prompt medical diagnosis and access to a specialized treatment center will improve the patient's probability of survival and a decrease in long term disability.

Michigan is capitalizing on a systems approach for stroke and STEMI based on the system that is already in place for trauma.  The Bureau of Emergency Preparedness, EMS, and Systems of Care is working with leading Stroke and STEMI partners and stakeholders in the state to develop a plan to integrate stroke and STEMI care into the existing trauma system.