• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • Resource Centers
    • Cancer Resource Center
    • Covid Resource Center
    • Clinical Trials Resource Center
  • Find A Doctor
  • BDO TV
Home / Health Conditions / Stroke / What You Don’t Know About Strokes Could Kill You

What You Don’t Know About Strokes Could Kill You

stroke

Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. However, the numbers are far from equal when ethnicity is considered. In fact, African Americans are far more likely to have a stroke than any other race. Though this is well known, it’s still shocking how little Black people know about their risk of having a stroke and the symptoms that indicate a cause for concern. 

What The Numbers Have To Say

Recent statistics show that over 50% of African Americans are likely to have a stroke when compared to other ethnicities. Of those who develop the condition, more than 70% of them will die.

When assessing the risks of a stroke, researchers found that Black men were at a slightly higher risk than women but both genders should be concerned about their risk factors. More than 2 of every 5 men are at risk of having a stroke while 2 in 5 women have the same level of risk. 

That discrepancy could be attributed to the fact that 7 in 10 Black men are dealing with obesity, 1 in 5 smoke, and 1 in 9 have been diagnosed with diabetes. With women, 3 in 5 are dealing with obesity and 1 in 7 smoke. In both cases, 2 in 5 African Americans have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and 1 in 365 Black children are born with sickle cell disease. All of these numbers add up to an increased likelihood of strokes that is hard to ignore. 

You May Also Like
7 Proven Ways to Cure an Upset Stomach

RELATED: Spot Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke F.A.S.T.

What African Americans Think Stroke Symptoms Look Like

There’s another number that you need to know too. Despite the higher risk, studies show that up to 60% of African Americans who were surveyed didn’t know enough about the symptoms of a stroke.

In these studies, people were likely to suspect a stroke if they or someone they knew was dizzy or having chest pain. However, headaches, slurred speech, or sudden trouble with balance weren’t as easily identified. 

Since the signs of a stroke can vary, it’s important to know what to look out for. Women, in particular, need to be cautious as they might not have the same striking symptoms as men.

Here are some of the issues you should know so you can get help quickly. People who are having a stroke can experience drooping in the face, numbness or weakness in one arm, slurred speech, trouble speaking or understanding speech, loss of balance, or a sudden headache. 

You May Also Like
How One Woman Eliminated 50 Fibroids without Surgery!

RELATED: How Plant-Based Fats Can Lower Your Risk of Stroke

How You Can Reduce Your Risk

Some of the issues that can influence your risk of a stroke, such as sickle cell disease, may be out of your control but

Continue Reading

The Latest In Stroke

says Aanestad

Chances of Walking after a Stroke: How Long Does it Take?

Post-stroke mobility loss can lead to difficulty walking after a stroke and having to learn to walk again. Check out this post about regaining balance and mobility and how long it takes to walk after a stroke. Within minutes, a read more about Chances of Walking after a Stroke: How Long Does it Take?
HOW ANNETTE LARKINS HAS FOUND THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

81 Going On 40: How Annette Larkins Has Found the Fountain of Youth

(Photo credit: Facebook) Annette Larkins, the now 81-year-old, has been referred to by the national media as the “Ageless Woman.” This dynamic and creative Black woman is full of life and exudes passion for living and what she puts into read more about 81 Going On 40: How Annette Larkins Has Found the Fountain of Youth

UPDATE: Damar Hamlin’s Miraculous Recovery; Gets Breathing Tube Removed!

The football world has been at a stand still since Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field after being hit during the game on Monday Night Football. Teammates and players from around the league expressed their horror and read more about UPDATE: Damar Hamlin’s Miraculous Recovery; Gets Breathing Tube Removed!
risk of heart attack

7 Reasons Why The Holidays Increase Your Risk Of Heart Attack (It’s Not Just Stress)

For many people, the holidays are about spending time with loved ones, reflecting on the year that has passed and preparing for the year ahead. While the holiday season is frequently a time of happiness, researchers for years have noticed read more about 7 Reasons Why The Holidays Increase Your Risk Of Heart Attack (It’s Not Just Stress)
subarachnoid hemorrhage

Deadly Aneurysm-Linked Strokes Are Rising, Especially Among Blacks

An often-deadly type of stroke -- subarachnoid hemorrhage -- is on the upswing in the United States, particularly among Black people, new research shows. What is a subarachnoid hemorrhage? Unlike the more common ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage happens when there read more about Deadly Aneurysm-Linked Strokes Are Rising, Especially Among Blacks
stroke

How Sitting Tai Chi Helps Stroke Survivors Recover

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Blacks are 50 percent more likely to suffer a stroke than whites, but sitting tai chi provides stroke survivors with recovery benefits read more about How Sitting Tai Chi Helps Stroke Survivors Recover

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

  • Mo’Nique at 55: Slimmer, Happier & Wiser: “I Love Us For Real”Mo'Nique at 55: Slimmer, Happier & Wiser: "I Love Us For Real"
  • Monica Calhoun at 51: “Exude Beauty Inside, Manifest It Outside”Monica Calhoun at 51: "Exude Beauty Inside, Manifest It Outside"
  • Taimak: The Last Dragon Lives 35+ Years Later!Taimak: The Last Dragon Lives 35+ Years Later!
  • Chef Babette Davis: Making 70+ Look Simply Delicious!Chef Babette Davis: Making 70+ Look Simply Delicious!
  • John David Washington: “They Tried To Use My Name Against Me”John David Washington: "They Tried To Use My Name Against Me"

Podcast

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

Learn More About

  • Hepatitis C
  • Diabetes
  • Sickle Cell
  • Mental Health
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • BlackDoctor.org Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2023, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.