February is observed annually as American Heart Month, it is a nationwide celebration to raise awareness about heart health, encourage the prevention of heart disease, and support research. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for all people, but Black adults are at greater risk than white adults and all other minorities because of a combination of genetic, social, and economic factors. According to research Black Americans are 30% more likely to die from heart disease than white Americans. Heart disease also develops at a younger age in Black people than in white people, the chance of developing heart disease is also increased when a person already has other health issues such as hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity, and diabetes.
Black adults are 40% more likely to have high blood pressure than white adults, heart disease can sometimes cause irreversible dam- age to the heart before symptoms are notice- able. In a 2018 study, Black adults were 1.3 times more likely to be obese than white adults; Black adults are also 60% more likely than white adults to be diagnosed with diabetes. In 2019, coronary heart disease (CHD) caused the death of over 20,000 Black men and over 18,000 Black women. Black men have a 70% higher risk of heart failure compared to white men; Black women have a 50% higher risk of heart failure com- pared to white women. Unfortunately, Black people are more likely to experience delayed diagnoses and inad- equate treatment due to issues within the healthcare system.
Heart health is shaped by more than personal choices, it is also influenced by environmental and economic factors. Underserved Black communities experience limited access to fresh and healthy foods, as well as fewer spaces for physical activity. Stress related to economic instability can con- tribute to high cortisol levels, which negatively impacts heart health overtime. Cortisol is the hormone the body releases when stressed, too much of it is bad for the heart. Black cardiologist could in- crease the heart health of Black patients, but only 3% of cardiologist are Black. The American Heart Association (AHA) said, “Under- represented medical professionals are more likely to practice in their communities where cultural sensitiv- ity can create trust and their presence have been shown to improve outcomes.” “This connection is particularly important among Black Americans when it comes to heart health.”
