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Impact of elevated BP on stroke risk differs by race
New data suggest that there are racial differences in the impact of elevated BP on stroke risk.
Researchers assessed stroke risk in more than 27,700 participants who participated in the large, population-based REGARDS study. Participants were recruited from 2003 to 2007 and were followed up through 2011. Differences in stroke risk were assessed using classifications of age (65 years and younger; 65 to 74 years; 75 years and older) and systolic BP (120 mm Hg or lower; 120 to 139 mm Hg; 140 to 159 mm Hg).
During an average 5.6 years of follow-up, 715 incident strokes occurred. Among white participants, a difference in systolic BP of 10 mm Hg was associated with an 8% increase in stroke risk; among black participants, a 10-mm Hg difference was associated with a 24% increase (P=.02 for interaction).
Disparities were greatest in the 45- to 64-year age group. There were few strokes and little racial differences in stroke for the younger age group with normotension (black-to-white HR=0.87; 95% CI, 0.48-1.57). White participants with prehypertension had a higher stroke risk than normotensive participants; however, black participants had a 38% higher risk for stroke than white participants (HR=1.38; 95% CI, 0.94-2.02). Among those with stage 1 hypertension, black participants were at 2.38 times the stroke risk as white participants (HR=2.38; 95% CI, 1.19-4.72).
“When these racial differences are coupled with the previously documented higher prevalence of hypertension and poorer control of hypertension in blacks, they may account for much of the racial disparity in stroke risk,” the researchers wrote.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.