Heart Disease And Hypertension In Black Women

Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death and disability for men and women in the United States. But many women don’t know they have roughly the same risk for heart disease and complications as men.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), Black women are at particular risk. Every year, 50,000 Black women die of heart disease, while only 36 percent know that heart disease is their greatest health risk.

High blood pressure, obesity and diabetes — all major contributors to heart disease — are significant threats to Black women. Based on a study from Circulation, Black women have the highest rates of high blood pressure (58.4 percent) and obesity (57.9 percent). They’re at greater risk of having and dying from these conditions than non-Hispanic white women.

Key Takeaways: Heart Disease Risks For Black Women

• Heart disease is the greatest health risk for Black women.
• Black women have higher rates of high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes compared to non-Hispanic white women.
• Black individuals may have genetic risk factors as well as socioeconomic factors that puts them at greater risk of developing heart disease.

What Is Heart Disease?

Coronary heart disease is the most common form of heart disease. Often referred to simply as “heart disease,” this disorder of the blood vessels of the heart can lead to a heart attack. Coronary heart disease is a lifelong condition and will steadily worsen unless you make changes in your daily habits.

What Does Heart Disease Look Like In Women?

 Chest pain is a classic symptom of heart disease. But women can have subtle symptoms like acid reflux, fatigue and stomach discomfort that are harder to recognize. As a result, many women may not get the timely, comprehensive medical care they need.

While women can experience these lesser-known signs, they report chest pain just as often as men, said Stephen Cook, MD, a cardiologist at Franciscan Health Indiana Heart Physicians.

“Women are just as likely to show up with chest pain as men, so we must provide them the same medical therapies,” he said. “Women with acute coronary syndrome often have a higher risk of heart failure, shock and stroke. We have to take the clinical blinders off and deliver them the same exact care.”

Why Do Black Women Have A Greater Risk Of Heart Disease?

Different risk factors — including high blood pressure — increase the chances that Black women will develop heart disease. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the rate of high blood pressure among Black women is roughly 50 percent higher than that of non-Hispanic white women.

Research shows genetics, in addition to lifestyle, may contribute. For instance, some studies suggest that some Black patients may be more sensitive to salt and therefore more likely to develop high blood pressure

High blood pressure can be treated with both medications and lifestyle changes. For instance, the American diet is typically high in salt, which we know affects blood pressure. Patients should monitor their diets and consider following low-salt plans, such as the DASH diet.

The Black population also has higher rates of obesity and diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, about 56 percent of Black women are overweight or obese. As a result, they have an increased risk of heart disease and other health conditions like stroke. Obesity also puts women at a higher risk of developing diabetes, especially as they age.

How Can I Prevent Heart Disease?

To reduce your heart disease risk, concentrate on the risk factors you can control, like diet and exercise.

It’s also important to watch your salt intake. Avoid highly processed and prepared foods, deli meats and hot dogs. Choose fresh ingredients when you can. Limit dining out.

To reduce your heart disease risk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you:

• Don’t smoke
• Eat a diet low in cholesterol, saturated and trans fats, and sugar
• Eat fruits, vegetables and fiber
• Exercise for at least 150 minutes each week (biking, walking, etc.)
• Limit alcohol consumption

“The good news is we do have a lot of ways to reduce the risk,” said Louis Janeira, MD, a cardiologist subspecializing in non-invasive cardiology at Franciscan Health Indianapolis.

Franciscan Health’s cardiology team can evaluate your heart health and identify your unique risk factors. They can work with you to create a long-term care plan that protects your heart.