Stroke in minorities

Abstract

There are definitive and persistent patterns of inequality in stroke incidence and prevalence, stroke risk factors and subtypes, stroke severity, and mortality. Few studies in multiethnic societies, have attempted to explore race/ethnic–based differences in the incidence, risk factors, subtypes, utilization of procedures, or services and outcome of stroke. The evidence that the incidence of stroke in Black communities is worse than in non–Black communities comes mainly from the United States (US) and suggests that minority groups have higher rates or more severe strokes; later on many studies had been conducted to address risk factor profiles in Black and white groups. Noteworthy, epidemiological studies for ethnic issues of stroke have been performed predominantly in the US and United Kingdom (UK) to understand risk factor associations with stroke subtypes for different ethnic groups, which is required to improve primary and secondary preventive strategies as well as stroke management guidelines. Different national clinical guidelines for stroke were established in many countries to provide a framework for optimum standardized care for all patients after stroke. However, these guidelines do not take into account the variability of risk factors, both physiological and behavioral, for people from different ethnic backgrounds and how they might have an impact on the care of such people after stroke. This work is designed to provide information about stroke in minorities (race/ethnic–based) in a standardized format that contributes to a better understanding of this conflicting issue.