Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for Black Americans, with persistent disparities in high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke. Black women, in particular, continue to face significantly higher risks and poorer cardiovascular outcomes.
During the panel “Heart Work: Addressing the Silent Crisis in Our Community,” at BlackDoctor’s 10th Annual Thought Leadership Summit, cardiology experts Dr. Jayne Morgan (Hello Heart), Dr. Keith Ferdinand (Tulane University School of Medicine), and Dr. Tony Lozama (Novartis/Association of Black Cardiologists) discussed the barriers, risks, and solutions shaping heart health in Black communities.
“The number one cause of poor outcomes is not having insurance,” Dr. Ferdinand said. And for those who are insured, they may still struggle with copays, deductibles, prescription costs, and access to specialists.
When people can’t afford care, it delays early interventions and treatment that could prevent disease progression. In fact, many Black patients may wait until symptoms become severe before seeking care because of cost concerns.
“You can’t stuff enough dollars in your mattress to get medical care in the U.S. today,” Dr. Ferdinand said.
When possible, it’s crucial to recommend the following preventive services to patients that are typically covered by insurance, such as:
Black women, in particular, are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease. “For Black women over the age of 20, 60 percent have some form of heart disease,” Dr. Lozama said.
According to Dr. Morgan, “being a woman is the risk factor for a heart attack.” Heart attacks may present differently in Black women, with many reporting fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and pain in the jaw, neck, or back.
These symptoms may reflect the “weathering effect,” in which chronic stress, racism, caregiving burdens, and socioeconomic pressures can negatively impact long-term health.
Menopause and pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and preterm birth, are lesser-known cardiovascular risk factors that many Black women may not be aware of.
It’s crucial for clinicians to discuss pregnancy history, family history, menopause symptoms, and persistent fatigue or chest discomfort with patients to better identify early signs of heart problems.
The good news is that many cardiovascular risk factors can be identified early through routine screenings. Panelists emphasized that patients should feel empowered to advocate for themselves in the doctor’s office by requesting specific screenings to assess their heart health.
Getting your lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels is just as important for Black patients, as it is an inherited form of LDL cholesterol that can significantly increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and aortic valve disease. It’s a lesser-known cardiovascular risk factor that many patients don’t know they have.
“I have had patients with high Lp(a)s, but no one had told them that,” Dr. Ferdinand said.
Providers should assess patients’ blood pressure, cholesterol, Lp(a) levels, ECG/EKG screenings, and heart disease risk based on family history.
Small, yet meaningful lifestyle habits can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. As the panelists shared, protecting heart health is a whole-body approach, meaning preventive care is required for all parts of the body — from teeth to physical activity.
Dr. Morgan advises patients to seek preventive care, such as regular dental cleanings, flu shots, and physical activity.
Black communities and healthcare professionals can improve cardiovascular outcomes through:
If changes aren’t made to the current system, it will continue to produce unequal health outcomes for Black communities.
“The system is getting the outcomes that the system has designed to get,” Dr. Lozama said.
Black patients should feel empowered to advocate for themselves — whether it’s cardiovascular health or other areas of health. Communities also deserve equitable access to healthcare to help reduce poorer cardiovascular disease outcomes. Asking questions, requesting screenings, staying active, and prioritizing routine care can help Black patients take control of their cardiovascular health and improve outcomes for future generations.
By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.pro You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.
Are you a healthcare professional? Register with us today!