Race/Ethnicity Considerations in the Prevention and Treatment of Stroke

Purpose of review To describe racial and ethnic considerations that exist for the prevention and treatment of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Recent findings Multiple studies have characterized stroke disparities. The Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study (GCNKSS) found that Black individuals have nearly twice the rates of stroke compared to White individuals. Differences in the incidence of stroke risk factors, both inherited and acquired, contribute to these disparities. Black individuals have an earlier age of onset, a longer duration, and greater severity of hypertension compared to White individuals. Beyond stroke risk factors, disparities also exist for hospital arrival times and stroke treatments. Black patients are more likely than White patients to delay presentation to the hospital, and Mexican Americans are less likely to say they would call 911 when experiencing a stroke. Finally, stroke outcomes including mortality also differ as Black individuals experience higher mortality rates compared with other groups. Multiple studies have demonstrated the existence of racial and ethnic disparities among stroke patients. Reasons for these disparities include a greater incidence of stroke risk factors, knowledge gaps about recognizing stroke warning signs and presenting for timely treatment, and less access to care.