A recent study published July 15, 2026, in Neurology^® found that Black people who were born outside the US were less likely to have had a stroke than those who were born in the US.

Researchers analyzed data from more than 64,000 Black adults ages 25 to 74 who participated in the National Health Interview Survey between 2000 and 2018. Participants were grouped into three categories: people born in the US, people born in the Caribbean, South America, or Central America, and people born in Africa.

Researchers found that about 4 out of every 100 Black people born in the US had experienced a stroke. In comparison, about 1 to 2 out of every 100 people born in the Caribbean, South America, or Central America had experienced a stroke, and fewer than 1 out of every 100 people born in Africa had experienced a stroke.

The researchers also looked at factors that can affect stroke risk, including age, smoking, and income. Even after taking these factors into account, people born outside the US were still less likely to have had a stroke. The lowest risk was seen among people who had immigrated to the US within the last 15 years.

This study does not prove that birthplace determines whether someone will have a stroke. The researchers say differences in factors such as high blood pressure, stress, smoking, obesity, and other life experiences may explain the results. Understanding these differences could help health professionals develop more effective ways to prevent stroke for everyone.

Key Takeaways

• Black adults born outside the US were less likely to have had a stroke than Black adults born in the US.
• The lowest stroke risk was seen among people who had immigrated to the US within the last 15 years.
• Looking at birthplace and immigration history may help researchers better understand stroke risk and improve prevention efforts.

Medically reviewed by Sarah Song, MD, MPH, FAAN