Unsettling Risk of Heart Disease in Black Women

Cardiovascular is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S. What’s more, African American women have a higher risk of dying from heart disease at a younger age than Caucasian women.

Dr. Abiodun Ishola, a cardiologist specializing in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology at the Florence Wormald Heart and Vascular Institute at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, shares some alarming facts and recommendations to help reverse the trend.

Heart Disease in African American Women By the Numbers

Check out the latest statistics from the American Heart Association (AHA):

• Cardiovascular disease is the cause of death for 50,000 African American women each year.
• Nearly 59% of African American women age 20 and over have cardiovascular disease.
• Nearly 58% of African American women age 20 and over have high blood pressure.

Increased Risk for Serious Illness

Experts don’t know why, but hypertension (high blood pressure) occurs more severely in African Americans than in Caucasians and it often develops earlier in life (Source: American Heart Association). “If left unchecked, high blood pressure can increase your risk for heart disease and many other serious health conditions,” explains Dr. Ishola.

The National Stroke Association also reports that strokes occur at a younger age and are more likely to disable African Americans, impairing activities of daily living.

Importance of Knowing the Signs of Heart Disease

Beyond just being at an increased risk for heart disease, African American women often don’t know the signs of heart disease. The AHA reports that:

• Only 39% of African American women know that chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack.
• Only 33% of African American women know that pain that spreads to the shoulder, neck or arms can also be a sign of a heart attack.

“When someone doesn’t know the signs of a heart attack or other heart condition, they’re less likely to seek treatment early – when it can be most effective,” says Dr. Ishola.

Heart Disease Risk Factors

The following factors can increase your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease:

• Diabetes
• Family history of heart disease
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Smoking
• Unhealthy diet

The AHA reports that all of the above factors occur frequently among the African American population.

How to Reduce Heart Disease Risk

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to make an immediate difference:

1. Cut back on salt and use herbs to season food.
2. Serve vegetables and fruits at every meal.
3. Teach children how to make healthy choices.
4. Get moving. Whether it’s a long walk or a workout video, just get started.
5. Know your numbers and talk them over with your doctor. From blood pressure to cholesterol, the numbers are crucial.
6. Quit smoking.

Get the Care You Need

Take charge of your health and learn what you can do to reduce your risk for heart disease. Start by speaking with your St. Elizabeth Physicians primary care provider.