Black-white Differences in Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Rates Among Young Adults with Ischemic Stroke

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular events.
• Hypertension is a primary driver of LVH, but its role in young stroke patients without a prior diagnosis is less understood.
• Racial disparities in cardiovascular disease prevalence and outcomes are well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate Black-White differences in LVH among young ischemic stroke patients.
• To assess LVH prevalence in young stroke patients with and without a history of hypertension.
• To identify potential disparities in hypertension indicators between Black and White young stroke survivors.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional analysis of 1028 ischemic stroke patients aged 15-49 from the Stroke Prevention in Young Adults Study.
• Hypertension indicators included self-reported history, LVH by echocardiography (Echo-LVH), and LVH by electrocardiogram (ECG-LVH).
• Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios comparing Black and White patients.

Main Results:

• Overall prevalence of hypertension history, Echo-LVH, and ECG-LVH were 41.3%, 34.1%, and 17.5%, respectively.
• Black patients exhibited higher rates of hypertension indicators compared to White patients.
• Black patients without a hypertension history had significantly higher rates of Echo-LVH (40.3% vs. 27.7% in men, 20.9% vs. 7.6% in women) than White patients.

Conclusions:

• LVH is prevalent in young ischemic stroke patients, irrespective of a hypertension history.
• Significant racial disparities in LVH exist, particularly in young Black adults without diagnosed hypertension.
• Earlier hypertension screening and more effective management are crucial for young adults, especially Black individuals, to prevent stroke and LVH.