RACIAL DISPARITIES IN STROKE AFFECTING BLACK AMERICANS

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Cardiovascular Disease Research
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Stroke is a leading cause of death in the US, with Black Americans disproportionately affected.
• The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Disparities in Stroke (REGARDS) study investigates this health disparity.
• Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the factors contributing to the higher stroke incidence in Black adults compared to White adults.
• To examine the roles of traditional stroke risk factors, lipoprotein(a), and interleukin-6 in this disparity.
• To explore potential interventions for reducing racial disparities in stroke.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the REGARDS cohort study, comparing Black and White adults aged 45+.
• Assessment of stroke incidence, case fatality, and prevalence of risk factors including hypertension, diabetes, lipoprotein(a), and interleukin-6.
• Mediation analysis to determine the contribution of various factors to the observed racial disparity.

Main Results:

• Higher stroke incidence, not case fatality, drives the disparity between Black and White individuals.
• Hypertension and diabetes prevalence explained 50% of the racial disparity in stroke.
• Elevated lipoprotein(a) was a race-specific risk factor for stroke primarily in Black participants.
• Higher interleukin-6 levels were a significant stroke risk factor in both racial groups and partially explained the disparity.

Conclusions:

• Stroke disparities in Black Americans are significantly influenced by modifiable risk factors and inflammatory markers.
• Targeting hypertension, diabetes, elevated lipoprotein(a), and inflammation presents opportunities to reduce racial stroke disparities.
• Further research and clinical interventions focusing on these factors are warranted to improve stroke outcomes in Black populations.