In addition to hypertension, high cholesterol and family history of stroke were named by participants as increasing risk for stroke. When the women explained why they decided to participate in the study, a personal or family history of heart problems often was mentioned, suggesting awareness that heart disease may increase risk. Paradoxically, some participants thought the high prevalence of hypertension among African Americans may reduce concerns about stroke because so many African American are on antihypertensive medications that protect against stroke.