A Closer Look at Heart Health Among African Americans

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults in the United States. But despite this fact, heart disease death rates are highest among Black Americans compared to other racial or ethnic groups. In addition to this, heart disease is often more advanced and diagnosed at an earlier age in Black patients.

To help understand this heightened prevalence of heart disease among African Americans, it’s important to focus on contributing risk factors as well as social determinants of health.

What Causes Heart Disease?

Heart disease is a general term to describe a range of conditions that affect the heart’s structure and function. The most common type of heart disease in the U.S. is coronary artery disease, this is when blockages in your arteries disrupt the blood flow to your heart.

Several conditions and behaviors can lead to the development of heart disease and increase the probability of complications. Unfortunately, many of the primary factors that contribute to cardiovascular problems – are more common in Black adults. This includes:

Underlying Conditions

High Blood Pressure

More than half of African Americans experience hypertension (high blood pressure) – a major risk factor for heart disease. And the likelihood that this condition is being properly managed is low.

Unlike other health conditions, high blood pressure rarely has noticeable warning signs until it becomes advanced and has caused irreversible heart damage. Because of this, there is a significant number of Black adults who have it and don’t even realize it. The only way to know for sure, is to have your blood pressure checked regularly by your healthcare provider.

Obesity

According to the CDC and Office of Minority Health, a disproportionately high percentage of the Black community is considered to be overweight or obese. This startling data results from a combination of genetic, behavioral and environmental factors, including:

Obesity is strongly associated with many other health conditions that also increase the risk of heart disease. Carrying excess weight causes the heart to pump harder to circulate blood to the extra body tissue, this puts added strain on the heart and can cause damage to the arteries. Getting rid of those extra pounds isn’t about vanity, it’s about reducing the risk of weight-related illnesses and health issues – like heart disease.

Diabetes

Black adults are nearly twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes than white adults, and even more likely to experience diabetes-related complications. Many of the challenges leading to obesity in Black communities, also tend to be the contributing factors for diabetes. High blood sugar levels from diabetes can damage your nerves, blood vessels, tissues and organs – making diabetes a significant risk factor for heart disease.

Focus on Prevention

Here’s the good news: investing in a few lifestyle changes today not only impacts your risk for heart disease, but also your health and wellness in later life. You can: