The burden of stroke is greater among Africans than in any other group. In fact, blacks have almost twice the risk of first-ever stroke compared with whites, and blacks 35-54 years old have four times the relative risk of stroke.

But there is hope. You have the power to fight stroke – and win! By following these three simple steps, you can help protect yourself against stroke.

Reduce your stroke risk factors.
Recognize the stroke warning signs.
Respond quickly to a stroke emergency

 WHAT IS A STROKE?

Stroke is a type of cardiovascular disease. It occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to your brain gets blocked or bursts. When that happens, the affected part of your brain doesn’t get the blood it needs. In minutes, it starts to die.

The two main types of stroke are ischemic (is-KEM-ik) and hemorrhagic (hem-o-RAJ-ik). Clots that block an artery cause ischemic strokes. Ischemic stroke is the most common type, representing almost 90 percent of all strokes. Hemorrhagic, or bleeding, strokes are cause by burst blood vessels in the brain.

Prior to a stroke, many people experience a TIA (transient ischemic attach). This is a “mini-stroke” or “warning stroke”. TIAs occur when a blood clot temporarily clogs an artery, and part of the brain doesn’t get the blood it needs. The warning signs are the same as for stroke (see page 5); but they occur and disappear relatively quickly, usually in less than five minutes. Unlike a stroke, when a TIA occurs, the blood clot resolves itself and there’s no permanent damage.

When a stroke occurs and part of your brain dies from lack of blood flow, the part of the body it controls is affected. Strokes can cause paralysis, affect language and vision, and cause other problems.
 AM I AT RISK FOR STROKE?

Several factors increase the risk for stroke. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of having a stroke. You can’t control some factors, but you can modify, treat or control others to lower your risk.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS I CAN'T CHANGE?

AGE
Strokes can happen to people of any age, even children – especially those with sickle cell disease.  But the older you are, the greater your risk of stroke.

SEX
More men than women have a stroke each year.  But at all ages more women than men die of stroke.  In 2002, more than 11,000 black females and 7,800 black males died of stroke.

FAMILY HISTORY & RACE
If a parent, grandparent, brother or sister has had a stroke, your risk of having one is greater.  African’s risk for stroke is up to four times higher than for non-Hispanic whites.  This is due in part to the increased rates of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity among blacks.

PREVIOUS STROKE OR HEART ATTACK
If you’ve had a stroke, you’re at a much higher risk for having another one.  If you’ve had a heart attack, this also raises your risk for having a stroke.
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