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What is Stroke?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a stroke , sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. There are health conditions and lifestyle habits that can increase your risk for stroke including hypertension.
How Does Stroke Affect African American Populations?
Age-adjusted percentage of stroke among persons 18 years of age and over, 2018
Non-Hispanic Black
Non-Hispanic White
Non-Hispanic Black /Non-Hispanic White Ratio
Men
3.2
3.1
1.0
Women
4.6
2.3
2.0
Total
4.0
2.7
1.5
Source: CDC 2022. Summary Health Statistics: National Health Interview Survey: 2018. Table A-1a.http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/shs/tables.htm
Age-adjusted stroke death rates per 100,000 (2018)
59.0
35.7
1.7
48.0
35.6
1.3
53.0
36.0
Source: CDC 2022. National Vital Statistics Report, Vol. 69, No. 13. Table 10.https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr69/nvsr69-13-508.pdf [PDF | 2.05MB]
There are several risk factors related to stroke. Some of these risk factors are: Obesity and Overweight – See Obesity and African Americans Hypertension – See Heart Disease and African Americans High Cholesterol – See Heart Disease and African Americans Cigarette Smoking – See Heart Disease and African Americans
Nutrition: Eat healthy diet (increase fresh fruits and vegetables and lower salt intake) Weight: Maintain a healthy weight Exercise: Be physically active (seek advice from your doctor) Smoking: Do not smoke Alcohol: Limit alcohol intake
Source: CDC 2022. Prevent Stroke: What You Can Do. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/prevention.htm