Sickle Cell Not a Genetic Risk Factor for Stroke Among African Americans

Bottom Line: Sickle cell trait may not be a genetic risk factor for ischemic stroke among African Americans, according to a meta-analysis that combined the results of four studies with 19,464 African American participants. Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain.

Why The Research Is Interesting: African Americans and individuals of African ancestry are at higher risk of stroke than individuals who are non-Hispanic white. Understanding sources of this disparity could help to identify people at risk and help to target therapy. It is unclear if sickle cell trait is a genetic risk factor for increased risk of ischemic stroke among African Americans.