African Americans and Stroke
One half of all African American women will die from stroke or heart disease.
African Americans are twice as likely to die from stroke as Caucasians. The rate of first strokes in African Americans is almost double that of Caucasians. Compared with white males 45 to 54 years old, African American males in the same age group have a threefold greater risk of ischemic stroke.
The statistics are staggering -- African Americans are affected by stroke more often than any other group.
Why?
Not all of the reasons are clear why African Americans have an increased risk of stroke. Some factors include a higher rate of:
- High blood pressure. High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke, and 1 in 3 African Americans suffer from high blood pressure.
- Diabetes. People with diabetes have a higher stroke risk.
- Sickle cell anemia. If sickle-shaped cells block a blood vessel to the brain, a stroke can result.
African Americans also have a higher incidence than Caucasians of obesity and smoking, two other factors that can increase your risk for stroke.
If you have one or more of these risk factors, it's even more important that you learn about the lifestyle and medical changes you can make to prevent a stroke. The National Stroke Association's stroke prevention guidelines will help you learn how you may be able to lower your stroke risk.
Interesting Facts:
1. Blacks (African Americans) have twice the mortality from stroke compared with whites
2. Blacks have more severe and disabling strokes compared with whites
3. Black women have a lower 1-year survival following ischemic stroke compared with whites
4. Blacks have twice the risk of first ever strokes compared with whites
5. Among those aged 20 - 44 years of age, Blacks are 2.4 times more likely to have a stroke compared with whites
6. Blacks are significantly less likely to receive tPA compared with whites
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