Breastfeeding and Stroke Prevention in Postmenopausal Women
Overview of Stroke Impact on Women
Cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke, affect between 5% to 14% of women aged 60 and older in the United States. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death among women aged 65 and above, and it ranks as the third leading cause of death specifically among Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black women in this age group. Annually, approximately 55,000 more American women experience strokes compared to their male counterparts. Elderly women who survive strokes face a higher risk of severe disability and a reduced quality of life. Additionally, the incidence of stroke varies by race and ethnicity, with higher rates reported among Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks, attributed to elevated levels of hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and physical inactivity.
Health Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mothers
Breastfeeding is associated with numerous health advantages for mothers, including a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers, as well as improved cardiovascular health. Research indicates that women who breastfeed for nine months or more are less likely to develop conditions such as high blood pressure, elevated lipid levels, and other metabolic diseases. Furthermore, extended breastfeeding correlates with a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics endorse exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, recommending continuation for up to one year or longer. However, breastfeeding rates vary across different racial and ethnic groups, being lowest among non-Hispanic Black women, followed by Hispanic women, with non-Hispanic White women having higher rates.
Research on Breastfeeding and Stroke Prevention
Limited studies have evaluated the impact of breastfeeding on stroke prevention. A recent study in the United States aimed to examine whether breastfeeding contributes to stroke prevention and how this relationship may differ across racial and ethnic lines, given the disparities in breastfeeding rates. The findings were published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Study Findings on Breastfeeding and Stroke Risk
The researchers analyzed data from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Observational Study, which included a follow-up until 2010. Out of 80,191 women who had given birth, 2,699 (3.4%) experienced a stroke during an average follow-up of 12.6 years, with an average age of 63.7 years. Among these women, 58% reported having breastfed, with 83% identified as non-Hispanic White, 8% as non-Hispanic Black, 4% as Hispanic, and 5% from other racial or ethnic backgrounds. Results indicated that women who had breastfed experienced a 23% lower risk of stroke compared to those who had never breastfed. Additionally, even brief breastfeeding (one to six months) was linked to a 19% lower risk of stroke. This association was noted to be stronger among non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black women.
Conclusions and Implications for Public Health
The study concluded that there is a significant association and dose-response relationship between breastfeeding and stroke prevention in postmenopausal women, particularly pronounced among non-Hispanic Black women. Raising public awareness about the potential impact of breastfeeding on stroke prevention may encourage more women, especially those at heightened risk, to initiate and continue breastfeeding. The medical and behavioral science communities could develop culturally tailored programs that promote healthy lifestyle choices, including breastfeeding, to mitigate stroke risk in vulnerable populations. Future research is needed to further explore the relationship between breastfeeding and stroke prevention in postmenopausal women.
Reference
Jacobson, L.T., Hade, E.M., Collins, T.C., Margolis, K.L., Waring, M.E., Van Horn, L.V., Silver, B., Sattari, M., Bird, C.E., Kimminau, K., and Wambach, K., 2018. Breastfeeding History and Risk of Stroke Among Parous Postmenopausal Women in the Women’s Health Initiative. Journal of the American Heart Association, 7(17), p.e008739.