African Americans and Stroke
Posted: Sept. 1, 2006
African Americans’ risk for stroke is up to four times higher than non-Hispanic whites. This is due in part to the increased rates of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity among blacks.
Other factors include:
Family history and race
If a parent, grandparent, brother or sister has had a stroke, your risk of having one is greater.
Age
Strokes can happen to people of any age, even children — especially those with sickle cell disease. But the older you are, the greater your risk for stroke.
Sex
More men than women have a stroke each year. But at all ages more women than men die of stroke.
Previous stroke or heart attack
If you’ve had a stroke, you’re at a much higher risk for having another one. If you’ve had a heart attack, this also raises your risk for having a stroke.
Source: American Stroke Association
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