Middle-Aged Black Women Face Higher Stroke Risk: Here’s Why

Life in your 40s and 50s should be a fabulous chapter filled with adventure, career accomplishments, and vibrant health. However, for many middle-aged Black women, an uninvited guest is crashing the party—stroke. According to the American Heart Association, Black women aged 45-64 are more likely to have a stroke compared to their White counterparts. So, why is this demographic at a higher risk, and what can be done about it? Lifestyle Choices That Make a Difference First, let’s talk about lifestyle. It plays a crucial role in our health, and some choices can significantly impact our stroke risk. Smoking, for instance, is a well-known risk factor for stroke, and unfortunately, Black women in this age group have a higher smoking rate compared to other racial groups. According to the CDC, 16.1 percent of Black women aged 45-64 smoke, while it’s 14.5 percent for white women in the same age range. Now, let’s talk about obesity. Among middle-aged Black women, the prevalence of obesity is notably higher. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, a significant 56.5 percent of Black women aged 45-64 are wrestling with obesity, whereas it’s 39.2 percent for white women in the same age group. Socio-Economic...