MindStrong: Black Mind Mental Health
2026-11-02 - 2026-11-30 | Online, NY
Health & Wellbeing

Health Matters: Understanding High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention

Heart disease and stroke remain two of the leading causes of illness and premature death in the UK but the risk is not shared equally.

July 17, 2026

Free

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Heart disease and stroke remain two of the leading causes of illness and premature death in the UK — but the risk is not shared equally.
The numbers tell the story:

🩺 Hypertension prevalence is highest among Black Caribbean, Black African and Pakistani adults in England, compared with all other ethnic groups.

📈 Studies in England have found hypertension rates of around 31–34% among Black Caribbean adults — significantly higher than in White populations, even after accounting for age, weight, smoking and alcohol use.

🧠 A major 30-year South London Stroke Register study (2026) found stroke incidence is now more than twice as high in Black African and Black Caribbean populations compared with the White population.

⚠️ Compared with White patients, Black African and Black Caribbean people are far more likely to have high blood pressure (47% and 29% higher, respectively) and diabetes (92% and 123% higher, respectively) — both major stroke risk factors.

⏳ On average, Black African people experience their first stroke 10–12 years earlier than White people.

🔍 Worryingly, 1 in 8 Black African stroke patients had no diagnosed risk factors beforehand — a sign that too many cases are going undetected until it’s too late.

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Health Matters:Understanding High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention
Discover how small changes can make a big difference.
You’ll learn how to:

❤️ Understand what your blood pressure numbers mean
🥗 Eat healthier without giving up the foods you love
🏃 Build simple physical activity into your daily routine
🫀 Reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke
⚠️ Recognise the early warning signs of heart attack and stroke
👨‍⚕️ Access NHS health checks and local support services

Who is this for?

This event is open to everyone, especially:

African and Caribbean community members
Adults aged 18+
Individuals living with high blood pressure or diabetes
Families and carers
Anyone who wants to improve their heart health and wellbeing
This event is completely free.
All you need to do is register here Bring someone you love.

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About US
African and Carribean Network (AFRICARN) is a global network dedicated to bridging the gaps and uplifting Black, African, and Afro-Caribbean communities.
🔗 africarn.org · 📩 events@africarn.org ·
