Ethnic Differences in Stroke: Black-White Differences in the United States Population

The US Black (African-American) population has a higher stroke incidence and mortality than the US White population. This article reviews the English language literature relating to observed racial and ethnic differences in stroke mortality, incidence, and risk factors. In addition, Black-White differences in stroke subtype, pathophysiology, outcome, recurrence, and treatment are reviewed. The significance of these racial and ethnic differences and directions for future research are explored.