Preventing Stroke in African Americans

The early death of Kirby Puckett should serve as a warning to all Americans, but especially to African Americans. Kirby Puckett was a greatly loved Hall of Fame outfielder who led the Minnesota Twins to two World Series championships. After retiring in 1996 due to glaucoma, he gained a great deal of weight. He died last month aged 45, after a massive stroke.

Obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and high cholesterol are all risk factors for hemorrhagic stroke. African Americans aged 34 to 55 are 4 times as likely as white men to have a hemorrhagic stroke. The rate of high blood pressure in US black men is among the highest in the world, and African Americans have a higher prevalence of diabetes, obesity, poor dietary habits and physical inactivity, compared with other ethnic groups.

It’s essential that the news gets out: the risks for African Americans may be higher, but the rewards are greater if they can be induced to address their diet, exercise needs, and weight control. Are you at risk of stroke?