New research suggests that Black women who develop high blood pressure before the age of 35 may face a threefold increase in the risk of experiencing a stroke by middle age.
The study, led by Dr. Hugo Aparicio, an associate professor of neurology at Boston University, brings attention to the rising rates of stroke among middle-aged adults, contrasting with a decline in stroke rates among older individuals over the past decades. Dr. Aparicio will present the study at the upcoming American Stroke Association’s international conference in Phoenix.
Aparicio emphasized that hypertension and strokes are not exclusive to the elderly, urging awareness among younger individuals, especially Black women, who appear to be at an elevated risk and need to advocate for themselves.
Statistically, Black women are twice as likely to suffer a stroke compared to white women, with a 50% higher likelihood of high blood pressure, as reported by the Office of Minority Health. Black Americans, in general, experience a higher incidence of strokes, leading to elevated death rates.
Dr. Amber Johnson, a cardiologist and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Chicago, expressed alarm at the study’s findings, noting a noticeable trend of higher hypertension rates among younger Black women in her practice.
The study, based on data from the Black Women’s Health Study involving nearly 47,000 participants since 1995, observed a cohort of stroke-free women for up to 23 years. The researchers identified a significant correlation between the age at which high blood pressure developed and the subsequent stroke risk.
The findings revealed that Black women developing high blood pressure before the age of 35 had a 3.1 times higher risk of stroke by middle age. Those developing high blood pressure before 45 faced a 2.2 times higher risk, while high blood pressure between ages 45 to 64 correlated with a 1.69 times higher stroke risk.
Strokes are severe events causing permanent damage to the brain, impacting speech and mobility. Dr. Anais Hausvater, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Health, emphasized the importance of early risk factor checks, as hypertension often presents as a silent disease with no noticeable symptoms.
Factors such as underdiagnosis and inadequate treatment contribute to the heightened risk for Black women. While lifestyle choices like diet and smoking can influence blood pressure, many patients may overlook the genetic component of hypertension.
Experts recommend lifestyle changes, including increased physical exercise, reduced salt intake, and a healthy diet, to mitigate the risk. Early hypertension treatment is crucial for lowering the risk of stroke and heart disease.
Screening for high blood pressure and maintaining optimal blood pressure levels are emphasized as essential elements of preventative care, aiming to address risks before a stroke occurs.
Dr. Aparicio stressed that once a stroke occurs, it is often too late for effective intervention.
