Heart disease and African Americans
Heart disease is the leading cause of the death in the U.S. Historically, Black Americans are more susceptible to dying from the condition. There are several risk factors related to heart disease, including obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, and tobacco use.
Access to health care is important in preventing heart disease and treating it once you’ve been diagnosed.
Health disparities are the result of a variety of factors, such as having access to health care. A Pew Research Center survey from 2022 found that less access to quality medical care is the top reason Black Americans think health outcomes are generally worse for Black people. That lack of access can be because of cost, transportation barriers, and many other challenges. Improving access to health care for Black Americans helps not only after diagnosis of heart disease, it can also help prevent disease onset.
So, what can people do to help?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests the following to improve the health of Black Americans:
Public health professionals can…
Use proven programs to reduce disparities and barriers to create opportunities for health.
Work with other sectors, such as faith and community organizations, education, business, transportation, and housing, to create social and economic conditions that promote health starting in childhood.
Link more people to doctors, nurses, or community health centers to encourage regular and follow-up medical visits.
Develop and provide trainings for health care professionals to understand cultural differences in how patients interact with providers and the health care system.
Community organizations can…
Train community health workers in underserved communities to educate and link people to free or low-cost services.
Work across sectors to connect people with services that impact health, such as transportation and housing.
Help people go see their doctor, take all medications as prescribed, and get to follow-up appointments.
Health care providers can…
Work with communities and health care professional organizations to eliminate cultural barriers to care.
Connect patients with community resources that can help people remember to take their medicine as prescribed, get prescription refills on time, and get to follow-up visits.
Learn about social and economic conditions that may put some patients at higher risk than others for having a health problem.
Collaborate with primary care physicians to create a comprehensive and coordinated approach to patient care.
Promote a trusting relationship by encouraging patients to ask questions.
Sources:
U.S Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health