Heart Health in the Black Community
Heart disease is a major health issue in the United States, especially in the Black community. Limited access to healthcare and healthy food are key factors that contribute to this problem.
Taking care of your heart starts with understanding the risks and making smart choices. In this blog, we’ll share practical tips to help you protect your heart, make informed health decisions, and build a lifestyle that supports a strong heart and a long, healthy life.
Key Statistics
- African Americans are at a higher risk: In 2018, Black Americans were 30% more likely to die from heart disease than White Americans.
- Increased risk of heart failure: Black men have a 70% higher risk of heart failure compared to white men, and Black women have a 50% higher risk compared to white women.
- Hypertension: Black adults are 20% more likely to have diagnosed hypertension compared to non-Hispanic White adults. From 2017–2018, non-Hispanic Black women were 50% more likely to have high blood pressure than non-Hispanic White women.
Risk Factors
Several factors contribute to the increased risk of heart disease among African Americans:
- Social Factors: Social determinants of health, including unemployment, low income, food insecurity, and lack of access to healthcare, play a significant role.
- Health Behaviors: Adverse health behaviors such as poor diet, low physical activity, insufficient sleep, and untreated sleep disorders contribute to the burden of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD).
- Underlying Conditions: Higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, along with related complications like kidney disease and sickle cell disease, increase the risk of CVD.
How to Improve Heart Health
Despite these challenges, heart disease is largely preventable. Here are some steps you can take to improve your heart health:
- Regular Check-ups: Monitor your blood pressure annually.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Adopt a healthy diet, engage in regular physical activity, and ensure you get enough quality sleep.
- Address Social Factors: Work to improve social determinants of health by seeking opportunities for better employment, education, and healthcare access.
- Community-Based Interventions: Participate in community programs focused on reducing cardiovascular risk through education, health screenings, and access to medication.
- Trust and Connection: Build trust with healthcare providers and participate in clinical trials to ensure the community is well-represented in medical advancements.
The good news is that deaths from heart disease are preventable with ongoing education and awareness. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, African Americans can significantly improve their heart health.
