High blood pressure in Black American women under 35 triples their stroke risk compared to those without hypertension, according to a new study from the Black Women’s Health Study. The research, led by Dr. Hugo Aparicio, tracked over 59,000 Black women for 23 years and recorded 1,485 stroke cases.
Black women have some of the highest hypertension rates worldwide, and the study found that those diagnosed before age 45 had more than double the odds of stroke. Even those diagnosed between 45 and 64 had a 69% higher stroke risk than Black women without high blood pressure. These findings held after adjusting for factors like weight, smoking, diabetes, socioeconomics, and living in the “Stroke Belt” region.
Dr. Aparicio, motivated by disparities seen in his own practice, hopes the study persuades healthcare professionals to prioritize blood pressure screening and treatment for Black women throughout their lives, including during childbearing years. The research highlights the need to address health inequities and improve stroke prevention efforts for this high-risk population.
See “High Blood Pressure in Young Black Women Sends Stroke Risks Soaring” by Ernie Mundell on the Health Day website (February 1, 2024)
