According to a new study, a certain type of stroke is on the rise, and Black people are being disproportionately affected.
The study, published in the journal Neurology, found that the rate of cryptogenic strokes – which are caused by unknown factors – increased by nearly 50% between 2003 and 2012. What’s more, the researchers found that Blacks were nearly 2.5 times more likely to experience a cryptogenic stroke than Whites.
There are a number of possible explanations for the findings. One possibility is that Blacks are more likely to have certain risk factors for stroke, such as hypertension and diabetes. Another possibility is that Blacks may be more likely to suffer from undiagnosed sleep apnea, which has been linked to an increased risk of stroke.
Whatever the reasons for the findings, they underscore the need for more research into the causes of cryptogenic stroke, as well as the need for better Stroke prevention efforts, particularly among Black people.
A new study has found that a certain type of stroke is on the rise, with higher rates among Black people.
In the study, researchers looked at data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2003 to 2012. They found that the rate of what’s known as posterior circulation stroke increased during that time period.
Posterior circulation strokes make up about 15 to 20 percent of all strokes, and tend to be more severe. They happen when the blood supply to the back of the brain is cut off.
The study found that the rate of posterior circulation stroke increased by 3 percent each year during the study period. The increase was more pronounced in Black people, with a 4.5 percent annual increase.
The findings suggest that there is an important racial disparity when it comes to this type of stroke. Black people are more likely to experience posterior circulation strokes, and the rate of increase is higher than in other groups.
There are a number of possible explanations for this disparity. One is that Black people are more likely to have certain risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Another possibility is that there are disparities in access to care and treatment.
Whatever the cause, this study highlights the need for further research on this type of stroke, and for efforts to address the disparities that exist.
