February is both Black History Month and American Heart Month, and so we’re shining a light on an important health issue in our communities: Black individuals and cardiovascular disease. Spectrum Medical Care Center is committed to promoting health equity, so we want to discuss the historical and current factors that lead to Black Americans experiencing disproportional rates of heart disease and the steps we can take to reduce this health disparity.
The Facts: Heart Disease in the U.S.
Cardiovascular disease describes the handful of conditions that can affect heart health, and make it difficult for the heart to do its vital job transporting blood and oxygen to the body. In the United States today, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer and accidental deaths. The most common form of heart disease is coronary artery disease, where blood supply to the heart becomes blocked from fat buildup or cholesterol. The symptoms of heart conditions present through heart attacks, strokes, arrhythmia, and heart failure. Many people do not know they have an underlying heart condition until one of these symptoms surfaces.
Certain lifestyle habits or other conditions can affect the likelihood someone will be diagnosed with heart disease in their lifetime, including smoking, obesity, diabetes, alcohol, high blood pressure, fatty foods, or a lack of physical activity. Medical practitioners recommend prioritizing exercise, a healthy diet, and managing stress to lower your risk of developing heart disease.
What Makes Black Individuals Vulnerable to Cardiovascular Conditions?
While there have been some reductions in overall heart-related deaths, Black Americans are still more than 50% more likely to die of cardiovascular conditions than white people. What is the cause of this disparity?
In the U.S., Black people are disproportionately impacted by high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes: all of which increase the risk of developing cardiovascular conditions. The reasons for the heightened prevalence of these factors stem from a long history of marginalization in this country, where Black communities have historically faced greater social stressors, limited access to nutritional food, and systemic barriers to adequate healthcare.
However, while physicians in the past have focused on lifestyle choices (such as smoking or diet) in cardiovascular risk among Black populations, new studies are finding that societal factors may be the prime cause for this significant health disparity. A 2023 study by Tulane University, surveying data from over 50,000 adults, analyzed the relationship between clinical conditions, lifestyle factors, and social factors in disproportional cardiovascular mortality among Black Americans. They found that the difference between white populations and Black communities was largely due to social factors, such as low income, unemployment, food insecurity, or lack of healthcare access/insurance, among other factors.
For Black folks within the LGBTQ+ community, these risk factors are compounded by additional “minority stress” due to prejudices based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Today, LGBTQ+ people also face higher rates of cardiovascular disease than heterosexual people, making heart health an important priority for people who exist in both populations.
In summary, researchers are uncovering more and more how “social determinants of health” are counting for Black Americans’ higher death rate from cardiovascular disease. The good thing is, though, that there are actional steps individuals, communities, and healthcare professionals can take to combat this health crisis.
Protecting Your Heart Health
Whether you are Black yourself or want to support Black communities in accessing solutions to heart health disparities, here are a few critical areas for reducing risk, spreading awareness, and combating systemic problems:
- Prevention & Screening: Regular blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, and diabetes management can detect issues early and can help save a life. At Spectrum Medical, we encourage everyone to schedule regular check-ups that can alert you to any potential health risks and treatment options.
- Health-Conscious Choices: Incorporating physical activity, balanced meals, and stress management into your routine can help significantly reduce heart disease risk now and in the future. Our fully trained medical staff can support you with education on how to shift your habits to health-forward decisions.
- Community Engagement & Education: Community-based intervention is a great way to combat heart disease on a wider level. You can help raise awareness by sharing information with peers, attending local health events, or supporting local organizations that uplift Black health. At Spectrum Medical Care Center, we’re committed to partnering with community stakeholders and ensuring our services are inclusive to Black individuals throughout our region.
- Health Justice Advocacy: To address systemic health disparities, we need everyone’s voices to champion healthcare access, community health services, and improvements to social determinants of health: good jobs, support resources, and reducing anti-Black racism. Our medical care staff is passionate about being a positive force for good, and will advocate for Black health with and for you!
Honoring Black History Through Action
While Black heart health disparities are deeply ingrained, they are far from insurmountable. Through a combination of individual access, community engagement, and health advocacy, we are fully committed to helping Phoenix’s Black population get the care they need for optimal heart health. Our team is available to discuss routine screenings, pre-existing conditions, and preventative services with you to ensure you feel like you’re in the right place for your needs. At Spectrum Medical, your wellness is our priority.
As Black History Month winds to a close, we are reminded of the strength and resilience of Black communities, seeing this time as an opportunity to work toward a future where everyone has the opportunity to live a heart-healthy life.
If you want to take charge of your cardiovascular health or want to learn more about how we can help, reach out to Spectrum Medical today. We’re here to listen and to support you!