Rates of heart disease are higher in Black communities for many reasons, including racism and socioeconomic factors. So, it’s important to recognize signs of heart issues and increase awareness and education about how to keep the heart healthy.

Key takeaways

• In the United States, Black Americans are diagnosed with heart disease and experience worse heart health outcomes than any other racial group.
• Many complex factors contribute to health disparities among Black Americans, including racism, socioeconomic challenges, and added stress.
• Early diagnosis and management of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity can help prevent heart disease, along with a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, not smoking, and quality sleep.

Let’s talk about heart disease in Black communities

In Louisiana, heart disease is the leading cause of death among all residents. But rates are even higher in our Black communities.

Many factors increase heart disease risk in Black Americans. Here, we discuss why and ways to improve heart health awareness, prevention, and treatment right here in New Orleans.

How does heart disease affect Black Americans?

Data from multiple sources, including the American Heart Association, shows that Black Americans are diagnosed with heart disease more often and experience worse outcomes than any other racial group. Take these national statistics as an example:

• Out of adults ages 20 and older, 60% of Black adults have heart disease, compared to 49% of all adults.
• Among adults under age 50, Black adults make up over 50% of heart failure hospitalizations.
• The CDC estimates that Black Americans ages 18 to 49 are twice as likely to die from heart disease as white adults.

What causes these heart health disparities? There’s not one clear answer because many complex factors are often at play.

Family history and genetics

You may be at a higher risk of heart disease and related conditions (diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure) if you have a family history of heart problems. For some Black Americans, genetics play a role in how likely they are to experience heart health issues.

Higher rates of diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure

Conditions like diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure increase your risk of heart disease:

• Diabetes: Black Americans have a higher risk of diabetes than non-Hispanic white people. Diabetes can lead to high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
• High blood pressure: Black Americans are 40% more likely to have high blood pressure and develop it earlier in life. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels, leading to heart disease.
• Obesity: Obesity forces the heart to work harder. Black men tend to have slightly lower rates of obesity than white men, but Black women have higher rates of obesity than white women.

Racism and socioeconomic factors

People of color, including Black Americans, often experience racism—“a system that assigns value and determines opportunity based on the way people look or the color of their skin.” Racism impacts social and economic factors that play a big role in physical and mental health.

For example, Black Americans may experience discrimination and economic inequality that puts stress on the body and mind. Added stress can affect sleep, blood pressure, and overall health.

Barriers to heart healthcare

Historically, it has been harder for Black Americans to access high-quality medical care compared to white Americans. The result is worse health outcomes for people who can’t get the care they need.

Racist practices and policies can make it harder to receive healthcare. For instance, when people can’t find health insurance that’s affordable, they tend to skip primary care appointments and preventive care. Without routine screenings and checkups, it’s harder to detect conditions early on when they’re more treatable.

Signs of heart problems

Because Black Americans tend to be at a higher risk of heart disease, it’s important to recognize early signs of heart problems before they get worse. Diagnosing and treating diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure can be key.

If you have later stages of heart disease, you may notice certain symptoms, including:

• Chest pain, tightness, or discomfort
• Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
• Fast, irregular heartbeats
• Frequent tiredness
• Pain in the neck, back, jaw, or stomach area
• Pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling

Ways to reduce heart disease risk in Black men and women

The good news about heart disease is that it’s preventable, starting with awareness and education. All people can improve heart health by:

• Eating heart-healthy foods with less salt and fat
• Getting enough quality sleep
• Moving every day
• Not smoking

It’s also important to see a primary care provider regularly. They help keep track of your health and screen for conditions that affect heart health, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Regular check-ups ensure you continue to feel your best.

Find the right heart doctor in New Orleans

At LCMC Health, we’re committed to providing appropriate and equitable access to healthcare in New Orleans. As part of our commitment, we work with other community organizations to dismantle racist systems and practices that prevent people from getting the care they need.

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to your health, schedule a checkup with a primary care provider. Your provider partners with you to improve your health and keep an eye on any health issues you may face now or in the future. We also have heart and vascular care experts who treat a variety of heart conditions.

Learn about Heart and Vascular Care.

Related questions about heart disease

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (measuring 130/80 mm Hg or higher) means blood moves too forcefully against your arteries, making your heart work harder. It often doesn’t have symptoms but increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Why are Black Americans more affected by obesity?

There are many reasons Black Americans have the highest rates of obesity of any racial group in the United States. Genetics can play a role but socioeconomic factors, like where people live, can prevent access to healthy foods.

Can you prevent heart disease?

You can’t remove all risk factors for heart disease (for example, family history). But you can lower your risk of heart disease with certain healthy lifestyle changes that help prevent or manage diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.

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