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I lost both of my parents to strokes. It is
a killer of many mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers, our families in the African American community. Know the symptoms
of stroke. Let's keep our loved ones with us not just in our memories..
| | African Americans and Stroke
One half of all African American women will die
from stroke or heart disease.
African Americans are twice as likely
to die from stroke as Caucasians. The rate of first strokes in African Americans is almost double that of Caucasians.
The statistics are staggering -- African Americans are affected by stroke more often than any other group.
Why?
Not all of the reasons are clear why African Americans have an increased
risk of stroke. Some factors include a higher rate of: - High blood pressure. High
blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke, and 1 in 3 African Americans suffer from high blood pressure.
- Diabetes. People with diabetes have a higher stroke risk.
- Sickle cell anemia.
If sickle-shaped cells block a blood vessel to the brain, a stroke can result.
African
Americans also have a higher incidence than Caucasians of obesity and smoking, two other factors that can increase your risk
for stroke.
If you have one or more of these risk factors, it's even more important
that you learn about the lifestyle and medical changes you can make to prevent a stroke. The National Stroke Association's
stroke prevention guidelines will help you learn how you may be able to lower your stroke risk. |
Stroke Warning Signs
The American Stroke Association says these are the
warning signs of stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially
on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden
trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden, severe
headache with no known cause
If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs,
don't delay! Immediately call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical services (EMS) number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced
life support) can be sent for you. Also, check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared. It's very
important to take immediate action. If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug can reduce long-term
disability for the most common type of stroke.
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