Black Americans face significantly higher stroke risks compared to white Americans, despite advances in stroke care over recent decades, according to stroke experts. Research shows Black adults aged 45-64 have a 3-fold higher stroke risk than white adults. In 2019, stroke mortality rates for non-Hispanic Black adults aged 35-64 were 2.4 times higher than for non-Hispanic whites.
“We do know that there are racial and ethnic disparities in stroke,” said Dr. Santosh Murthy (above) of Weill Cornell Medicine. He noted Black patients have higher rates of intracerebral hemorrhage occurring at younger ages.
Experts cite social determinants of health as key factors driving disparities. A recent study found social factors like poverty and education levels were associated with higher stroke prevalence in New York City communities.
Low awareness of stroke symptoms in high-risk groups compounds the problem. Less than 35% of post-stroke patients could identify complex stroke symptoms in one analysis.
“There’s a bigger gap amongst Blacks and Hispanics in terms of the knowledge of the signs and symptoms of stroke, despite the increased burden of stroke in those communities,” said Dr. Opeolu Adeoye of Washington University.
Researchers emphasize the need for targeted interventions and greater inclusion of minority patients in clinical trials to address disparities. Educational campaigns on stroke risk factors and symptoms tailored for minority communities could help reduce inequities in outcomes.
See “What Progress Have We Made in Mitigating Racial Disparities in Stroke?” (February 28, 2024)
