According to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, African Americans are at greater risk of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke than any other ethnic group. Cardiovascular disease, including stroke, is the leading cause of death for African-American men and women—claiming the lives of over 100,000 annually. In 2000, cardiovascular disease accounted for 37% of all African-American deaths. It's estimated that 40% of African-American women and 41% of African- American men have cardiovascular disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the National Center for Health Statistics. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in America today and a leading cause of severe long-term disability. The American Stroke Association is reminding African Americans this May—American Stroke Month—to learn their risk for stroke and take action to lower their risk.