Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and in Arkansas. In 2016, almost 8,100 people in Arkansas died of heart disease. It was the cause of 25 percent of all deaths in the state that year. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in both Arkansas and the U.S. Arkansas has the fifth highest death rate from stroke in the nation. In 2016, almost 1,650 people in Arkansas died from stroke. Hypertension is a major public health problem in Arkansas. Almost half of all adults have high blood pressure. If not controlled, it can lead to heart disease, stroke, and death. African Americans are most affected by heart disease and stroke.