Why Do Black Women Suffer From Stroke More Than Others?

Studies find that black women, more than any other group, are most likely to have a stroke, and it's more likely that those strokes are more severe and happen at a younger age.

According to Carlos Ince, M.D., FACC, Chief of the Division of Cardiology at Mercy, the risk of having high blood pressure is much higher in black women, and there's also a higher incidence of diabetes and obesity, which are all risk factors of having a stroke.

"A lot of people don't realize they have high blood pressure, that's why they call it the silent killer. So, you know, being proactive, making sure that you either have a blood pressure machine at home, that you can measure your blood pressure or more importantly, go in and see your doctor, making sure that your blood pressure is normal, getting lab work to make sure that you're not developing metabolic syndrome or diabetes mellitus. And, look in the mirror. I mean, if you're, you know, your clothes are a little bit snug, you're picking up weight, obviously, you're probably not doing the right things with diet and exercise are trying to be more proactive with that," Dr. Ince said.

Up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable and Ince said something as simple as a daily walk can help combat your risk of having high blood pressure, and then in turn, having a stroke.

Dr. Ince added that it's important people talk with their friends and family to encourage them to keep an eye on their numbers and health.

An experienced cardiologist with The Heart Center at Mercy, Dr. Ince is board certified in Adult Cardiovascular Disease and offers patients diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, such as congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease and heart rhythm disorders.

View Mercy cardiologist Dr. Carlos Ince's interview regarding black women and stroke.