Did you know that Black Americans are more likely to have a stroke than any other racial group in the U.S.? Even more shocking is that many of these strokes happen earlier in life. A large study found that, on average, Black adults have strokes 10 years earlier than white Americans.
“The study published in the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology looked at stroke rates over 22 years and found that Black adults had strokes at much higher rates—between 50% and 80% higher than white adults,” said Andrei Alexandrov, MD, a stroke neurologist with Banner – University Medicine. “These strokes were especially common in younger and middle-aged adults.”
These aren’t just statistics. They have a real-life impact. That’s a father missing a baseball game, a mother missing a birthday or a grandparent unable to tell stories to their grandchildren.
The good news is that there are things you can do to lower your risk for stroke. Read on to learn more about why strokes are common in Black Americans, what increases the risk and what you can do to prevent them.
What is a stroke?
A stroke is a medical emergency that happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel bursts. Without fast treatment, brain cells can start to die in minutes.
There are two main types of strokes:
- Ischemic stroke: This is the most common kind. It happens when a blood clot blocks a vessel in the brain.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: This happens when a blood vessel in the brain breaks and bleeds.
Both types are serious and need fast medical care. Some strokes can also be mini-strokes or TIAs (transient ischemic attack), where symptoms go away in a few minutes or hours. But even mini-strokes are a warning sign that a bigger stroke could happen.
What happens after a stroke?
When someone has a stroke, doctors move fast to figure out what went wrong. They use tests like MRIs, CT scans, blood work and ultrasounds to get a complete picture of what happened in the brain.
“When a patient has a stroke, we need to understand why this happened and what malfunctioned in the brain,” Dr. Alexandrov said. “Investigating a stroke is like hearing the shot but now we’re looking for the smoking gun.”
Once they know the cause, doctors treat the problem and create a plan to help prevent another stroke. That usually includes medication, follow-up care, and lifestyle changes like a healthier diet, more movement and quitting smoking.
But recovery isn’t just physical.
“Depression is very common after having a stroke,” Dr. Alexandrov said. “So we have to intervene on multiple levels to prevent patients from coming back.”
Why are Black Americans at higher risk?
The reasons are complex. Some risks come from health conditions but other parts of life also play a role.
High blood pressure (hypertension): According to the American Stroke Association, more than half of Black Americans have high blood pressure. It damages blood vessels and makes it easier for clots or bleeding to happen in the brain.
“It’s important to note that while Black Americans are more likely to be aware of high blood pressure and more likely to take medication for it, they’re also more likely to be prescribed the wrong kind of medication,” Dr. Alexandrov said. “According to the American Heart Association, the most effective first-line treatments for high blood pressure in Black patients are calcium channel blockers and diuretics.”
Obesity: About 70% of Black men and more than 80% of Black women are considered overweight or obese. Extra weight can increase your chances of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, all of which raise stroke risk.
High cholesterol: Nearly 25% of Black Americans have high cholesterol. This can lead to clogged arteries and blocked blood flow to the brain.
Diabetes: Diabetes affects more Black Americans than white Americans. It can cause damage to blood vessels throughout the body, including the brain. Over time, this raises the risk of stroke.
Genetics: “We’ve learned that strokes run in the family and tend to occur at younger ages with each generation,” Dr. Alexandrov said. “It’s important to take note of your family’s health history and focus on early prevention.”
Lack of access to care: Not everyone has the same access to healthy food, medicine or regular doctor visits. “If people don’t have access to healthy food or medication, that creates diseases that lead to stroke,” Dr. Alexandrov said.
Some people may not have insurance, may not live near a provider or medical facility or may not trust the medical system. This can lead to late diagnosis or not getting the right treatment.
Stress and social issues: Money problems, racism, unsafe neighborhoods and job stress can all affect health. Over time, these stresses can lead to higher blood pressure and other health problems.
Lifestyle: Things like smoking and lack of exercise also matter. More than 14% of Black adults smoke and fewer than half meet weekly exercise goals. These habits can double or even triple stroke risk.
[Also read, “Women and Stroke: Know Your Risk and Warning Signs.”]
What you can do today to lower your risk
While the statistics may seem scary, there are steps you can take today to lower your risk.
“Family history matters,” Dr. Alexandrov said. “But genes are just part of the story. You still have the power to lower your risk.”
Here are the following tips to help you stay on top of your health:
- Know your numbers: Get regular checkups. Ask your health care provider to check your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. If the numbers are too high, work with your care team on a plan.
- Take medicine as prescribed: If you’ve been given medication for high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease, take it every day. Don’t skip doses. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
- Move your body: Aim for 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise most days. Even walking helps. Move your body in ways you enjoy.
- Eat for your health: Eat more fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean meats and healthy fats. Try to eat less salt, sugar and fried foods.
- Quit smoking: If you smoke, talk to your health care provider about how to quit.
- Limit alcohol: Too much alcohol can raise blood pressure. Limit drinks to one a day if you’re a woman or two if you’re a man.
- Get help for stress: Talk to a counselor, join a support group or find ways to relax, such as deep breathing or yoga.
- Watch for warning signs: Strokes happen fast. Knowing the signs can save your or someone else’s life. Remember to BE FAST if you think someone may be having a stroke:
- Balance: Sudden loss of balance
- Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing
- Face: Face drooping on one side
- Arms: One arm drifting down when raised
- Speech: Slurred or strange speech
- Time: Call 911 right away
The faster you get help, the better the chance of recovery.
For more tips, check out “12 Steps to Help Prevent a Dangerous Stroke.”]
Make stroke awareness a family matter
Stroke doesn’t have to be a part of your future. Share what you learn about stroke with your family. Teach kids and teens to eat well, move more and know the signs of stroke. Talk to your older loved ones about getting check-ups and managing their health.
If we work together, we can change the stroke story by catching health problems earlier and saving more lives. Talk with a Banner Health provider to learn more about your risk for stroke and how to prevent it.
