Black Women Under 35 with High Blood Pressure Have Triple the Risk of Stroke
A new study conducted by the American Heart Association (AHA) has found that young Black women who develop high blood pressure before the age of 35 may have triple the odds of having a stroke. The research, which analyzed 59,000 Black women in the United States between the ages of 24 and 64, will be presented at the AHA’s International Stroke Conference in Phoenix.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Hugo Aparicio, emphasized the importance of primary prevention and screening for high blood pressure. Hypertension is more prevalent in Black adults in the United States, so it was not surprising to find a high incidence in the study participants. In fact, 10% of participants younger than 45 and nearly 40% aged 45 to 64 had high blood pressure.
However, the most concerning finding was that the risk of stroke appeared to be highest in those who developed high blood pressure at an early age. This challenges the misconception that the heightened risk of stroke is only apparent in older age. Michelle O’Donoghue, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, explains that early onset hypertension is a significant predictor of stroke, even in middle age.
The researchers attempted to account for various factors such as region, socioeconomic status, excess body weight, smoking, and diabetes. Despite these adjustments, they still observed an elevated risk of stroke with a history of hypertension across all age groups. Aparicio suggests that factors like psychosocial stressors and racial discrimination may contribute to this increased risk among Black women.
O’Donoghue highlights that Black men and women are often undertreated for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease due to various barriers, including limited access to primary care doctors and medications. Additionally, she mentions a genetic factor unique to Black people called lipoprotein (a), which is associated with cardiovascular disease and stroke. However, this risk factor is rarely assessed in clinical practice.
While genetics play a role in high blood pressure, there are lifestyle changes that can help lower the risk of developing hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. Aparicio advises individuals to track and address even mildly elevated blood pressures through prevention efforts such as dietary changes, exercise, smoking cessation, and improved sleep habits. Managing specific risk factors like excess body weight, abnormal blood cholesterol levels, and elevated blood pressure is also crucial in reducing the risk of stroke.
These findings underscore the importance of screening and prevention efforts for both doctors and patients. Aparicio emphasizes that hypertension and the risk of stroke should not be perceived as problems only affecting older women. Healthcare policy changes that prioritize primary prevention are necessary because for Black women who experience a stroke in middle age, it is often too late.
In conclusion, this study highlights the increased risk of stroke among young Black women with high blood pressure. It emphasizes the need for early detection, prevention, and management of hypertension to reduce the risk of stroke. By addressing lifestyle factors and implementing healthcare policy changes, it is possible to mitigate the impact of high blood pressure on Black women’s health.
