Stroke is not a joke, especially in the Black community.
Believe it or not, Black Americans are virtually twice as likely to suffer strokes as white Americans, and when they do, the outcomes can be devastating. Unfortunately, the research doesn’t lie. According to the American Heart Association, Black people die from strokes at a younger age and require more intensive hospitalization even when they’re not fatal.
While many healthcare inequities influence proper medical care following a stroke, plenty of health factors exist as well.
Let’s discuss five stroke risk factors affecting the Black population, and how we can manage them.
1. Diabetes
According to most studies, diabetes is ~60 percent more likely among Black people than it is among white people. Because diabetes causes blood vessels to weaken over time, this can further the risks of dangerous blockages. Not to mention, the effects of high blood sugar. If left untreated, blood sugar levels harden the arteries, cutting off adequate blood flow to the brain.
This is when ischemic strokes (‘blood clot strokes’) can occur.
If you have diabetes, the first thing you should do is get your blood sugar levels under control. Take your medication as prescribed, avoid unhealthy foods, and opt for clean eating wherever possible. If your blood sugar is still high, despite healthy eating and exercising, tell your doctor.
A sound healthcare professional can monitor other risk factors, such as blood pressure and cholesterol, as well. By staying on top of associated health problems, you can substantially reduce your risk of stroke.
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2. Obesity
We all know being overweight is unhealthy, but how does it lead to stroke?
Well, first we have to consider the factors that cause obesity. In the Black community, poor access to quality foods, medical services, and nurturing environments may contribute to obesity. These issues also contribute to inflammation in the body, which can damage the blood vessels, thereby leading to strokes.
Research finds that abdominal fat, especially, is linked to bad cholesterol, another critical stroke risk.
So, practice weight loss and weight maintenance. Consume less saturated fats and sugars. Plan for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, and track your meals. At the very least, reduce the portions of what you do eat.
If you’re still struggling despite your best efforts, healthcare professionals can help immensely.
3. High Blood Pressure
Hypertension is considered one of the main predictors of stroke – however, it’s also considered the one factor you can most control.
According to research, nearly 60 percent of Black adults deal with hypertension, whereas under 50 percent of white adults do. This disparity is a major problem, leading to weakened blood vessels, increased rupture risks, and higher stroke likelihood.
If an artery bursts, this can lead to what’s called a hemorrhagic stroke.
To stay in good shape, try to keep your blood pressure below 130/80 mm Hg. If this simply isn’t happening, even with major lifestyle changes, consult your doctor about medication, such as beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors.
However, always try to make daily adjustments first.
To reduce your blood pressure naturally, limit salt and increase potassium in your diet with foods like bananas, beets, spinach, avocados, squash, and potatoes. Cut back on alcohol and cigarettes, and of course, exercise!
4. Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major issue in the Black community, with some studies suggesting that Black folks are four times as likely to endure kidney failure compared to white folks. Because kidneys help regulate blood pressure, kidney dysfunction can become a problem quickly.
If your kidneys are damaged, they can’t filter your blood properly, which can increase your blood pressure while also damaging your vessels.
To improve kidney health, first control related conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Get screened routinely for kidney function and if lifestyle modifications fail, ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) can help.
5. Sleep Apnea
Last but not least is sleep apnea, which you might not think is related to strokes. Turns out, this repeated stopping and starting of breathing during sleep can be very problematic. More common among Black people, this condition may cause oxygen levels to drop precipitously. When this happens, hypertension and inflammation of the blood vessels can follow.
To mitigate this risk, ask your doctor about a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Slimming down and keeping away from alcohol near bedtime also helps. Many people also report sleeping on their sides to be effective.
Overall, preventing strokes is about recognizing key risk factors and responding appropriately. Whether it’s sleep apnea, kidney disease, hypertension, obesity, or diabetes, always remember: you’re not powerless.
At the end of the day, a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in changing the game.
