Minority Women's Health

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Stroke

Minority Women's Health > African Americans > Health Topics > Stroke

On average, every 45 seconds someone in the U.S. has a stroke. A stroke happens when part of the brain doesn't get the blood it needs. Strokes can kill brain cells. This may cause a person to lose control of their speech, movement, and memory.

African Americans are affected by stroke more than any other group. The rate of stroke in African-American women is almost twice that of white women. African American women also have a higher risk of dying from a stroke than white women. African Americans tend to have higher rates of these risk factors for stroke: high blood pressure, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, obesity, family history of stroke, and no leisure exercise.

A stroke happens fast. Most people have two or more signs.

The most common signs are:

• sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (mainly on one side of the body)
• sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance
• sudden confusion or trouble talking or understanding speech
• sudden bad headache with no known cause

Women may also have these symptoms:

• sudden face and arm or leg pain
• sudden hiccups
• sudden nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
• sudden tiredness
• sudden chest pain
• sudden shortness of breath (feeling like you can't get enough air)
• sudden pounding or racing heartbeat

If you have any of these symptoms, call 911.

Take these steps to help prevent a stroke:

• Don't smoke. If you smoke, try to quit. For help along the way, check out our Quitting Smoking section.
• Keep a healthy weight.
• Get moving. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise a day, most days of the week. Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Or, walk during breaks at work.
• Eat right. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Know your numbers. Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure, cholesterol (total, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides) and blood glucose (sugar).

Publications

1.   Brain Basics: Preventing Stroke — This brochure provides information on stroke prevention. It includes stroke warning signs, an explanation of risk factors, and a description of treatable risk factors.

   http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/preventing_stroke.htm

2.   Know Stroke. Know the Signs. Act in Time. — This publication contains information on what a stroke is, the signs of someone having a stroke are, and what can be done to prevent a stroke.

   http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/knowstroke.htm

3.   Stroke and African Americans — This publication provides numerous statistics about African Americans and stroke.

   http://www.omhrc.gov/templates/content.aspx?ID=3022

4.   Stroke: Hope Through Research — This brochure contains comprehensive information on stroke, including information on what a stroke is, what the risk factors are, and what research is being conducted in this area.

   http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/detail_stroke.htm

5. African Americans and Stroke (Copyright © NSA) — African Americans are twice as likely to die from stroke than whites. The reasons for this are not entirely clear. However, researchers have identified some of the things that place African Americans at greater risk. This publication discusses these risk factors and the importance of making changes to reduce or eliminate these factors.

   http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AAMER

6. Caring for Someone Who Has a Stroke (Copyright © AHA) — This fact sheet contains information on what a caregiver's role is when caring for someone who has had a stroke. It also provides information on where to go for help if you are feeling overwhelmed by your caregiving responsibilities.

   http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=2875

7.   Heart Disease, Stroke and African Americans (Copyright © AHA) — This resource provides information about heart-related conditions. It discusses risk factors that increase your chances of heart disease and stroke and gives you tips on what you can do decrease them.

   http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/1157061665970SYH_HDStrk_Repros.pdf...

8. Reducing Stroke in African Americans (Copyright © NSA) — African Americans are at high risk for stroke. But there are things you can do to reduce your personal risk. Read more about risk factors, and how to know if you’re having a stroke.

   http://www.stroke.org/site/DocServer/AFAM.broch.pdf?docID=581

9. The Brain — Effects of Stroke (Copyright © AMA) — This colorful diagram of the brain shows the damage a stroke can do. It’s easy to understand, and includes a glossary of stroke-related terms.

   http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/physician-resources/patient-education-materials/atlas-of-human-body/brain-e...

10. Women and Stroke: Unique Symptoms in Women (Copyright © ASA) — Women can experience stroke symptoms that are different from men. This fact sheet describes these unique symptoms and provides guidelines on how to act F.A.S.T. and respond to an emergency situation.

    http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=WOMSYMP

Organizations

1.   CDC's WISEWOMAN™ - Well Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation
2.   National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Information Center, NHLBI, NIH, HHS
3.   National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, HHS
4. American Heart Association
5. National Stroke Association

= Indicates Federal Resources

Current as of December 2007