Stroke – An Increased Threat for African Americans

By Rosetta Swinton

As a frequent presenter on the impact of stroke on African Americans, particularly in my home state of South Carolina, I have found that the statistics surrounding this serious disease generally shock audiences, and hopefully alert them to the signs and impact of stroke.

The American Stroke Association reports that as the third leading cause of death in the United States, on average a stroke occurs every 53 seconds; over a half million Americans suffer strokes each year; and, every 3.3 minutes, someone dies of a stroke. Beyond these startling statistics, stroke is the leading cause of longterm disability — with 4 million Americans as survivors of stroke.

In my own state of South Carolina, in 2000, heart disease and stroke accounted for 12,780 deaths, with African Americans twice as likely to suffer stroke as their white counterparts. South Carolina leads the nation in Stroke deaths.

What is stroke?

Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a blocked or burst blood vessel. The American Heart Association reports that we must be aware of the warning signs of a stroke which are a 911 emergency.

The warning signs of stroke include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headaches with no known cause.
• Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) are “warning strokes” that can happen before a major stroke. They occur when blood flow through a brain artery is blocked or reduced for a short time.

Some stroke risk factors cannot be treated; they include age, sex, race, prior stroke and family history; others can be treated: such as hypertension, heart disease, cigarette smoking and TIAs.

By controlling high blood pressure, preventing heart disease, stopping cigarette smoking, lowering high cholesterol levels with adequate diet and supplements, controlling diabetes and treating arterial fibrillation stroke can be prevented.

The Health and Wellness Ministries of the A.M.E. Church, provide a place to come together for information and education on stroke. There is assistance to recognize the danger signs listed above and real help for controlling the preventable factors that can lead to stroke.

Stroke affects a disproportionate number of African Americans. Within the caring context of the Health Ministry, it is possible to find the support to develop a healthy eating plan, increase physical activity, effect lifestyle changes and deal with the aftermath of stroke and the rehabilitation of stroke victims. Race and family history are factors that cannot be controlled but, by controlling what we eat and increasing physical activity those factors that increase the risk of stroke, a longer, healthier life can be attained. We must choose to be healthy because we have the power to change the state of our health. ?

For more information on stroke whether you’re a caregiver, family member, church member or need information on Stroke, the American Stroke Association Family “Warmline” is at 1-888-4STROKE.

Rosetta Swinton, BSN, RN, of the Office of Special Initiatives for the Medical University in Charleston is also the Director of Health – 7th Episcopal District, South Carolina African Methodist Episcopal Church; she brings her experience in African American health issues to a new column for the Nubian Health Product News. Rosetta will be a continuing columnist in Nubian Health Products News. Please look for her column in upcoming issues.