Black Americans and Heart Disease

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IS THE #1 CAUSE OF DEATH FOR BLACK AMERICANS IN THE U.S.

Black Americans are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke than White Americans.

Black men and women have higher rates of heart disease than White men and women.

High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart attacks and stroke. About two out of every five Black American adults have high blood pressure, and less than half of them have it under control.

What is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?

Coronary artery disease, or CAD, happens when cholesterol-containing deposits (plaque) build up on the inner walls of coronary arteries over time. This causes the arteries to harden and narrow, which decreases blood flow to the heart. As a result, your heart doesn’t get the blood, oxygen and nutrients it needs, which can lead to chest pain or other symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to a heart attack which is caused when the heart muscle dies because of the absence of blood flow. The build-up of plaque can be attributed to poor lifestyle habits such as smoking and obesity, but it can also be caused by things that cannot be avoided, such as aging or a family history of heart disease.

Common Symptoms of CAD

People may feel heart disease symptoms during stress, physical activity or even at rest. It is more common to experience these symptoms while walking, going up stairs or moving around. It is important to note that women often do not exhibit the same symptoms as men when having a heart attack. If you feel these signs, seek help from a health care provider immediately.

Common Symptoms

Chest Pain or Pressure (Angina)

Fatigue

Shortness of Breath

Sudden Profuse Sweating

Common Symptoms for Women

Discomfort in Back, Shoulders, Arms, Jaw, Neck

Insomnia or Inability to Sleep

Shortness of Breath

Lightheadedness or Dizziness

Nausea or Vomiting

Reduce Your Risk

There are things you can do to reduce the risk of having a heart attack:

Quit Smoking

Lower Cholesterol

Exercise Regularly

Control Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

Visit your Doctor Regularly

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms or know that you have certain risk factors, here are some questions you can ask your doctor:

• Could I have a heart problem?
• What caused my heart problem?
• What treatments do I need? What are the side effects?
• What should I do if my symptoms get worse quickly?
• What can I do to prevent this from getting worse or having a heart problem again?
• Should I eat different foods?
• How will this affect my day-to-day activities, such as working, or caring for my children or grandchildren?
• What can I do to feel less stress and worry?
• How often do I need to come in for an office visit?

Don’t delay the care you need.

Information provided by Boston Scientific.

Sources: 
1. NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
3. American Heart Association
4. Mayo Clinic
5. Cleveland Clinic