Let's Talk About it with Jenny White/African Americans and Heart Disease

Heart disease is the #1 killer in the United States but the risks are higher in the African American community. My guest from the American Heart Assn. will speak on why African Americans are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke than White Americans. In researching, I find that African American women have a 49% and the men have a 44% rate higher than White men who have 37% and White women have 32%. Between the ages of 45 and 64, African American men have a 70% higher risk and African African women have a 50% greater risk of developing heart failure than White men and women. The earlier onset of heart failure means higher rates of hospitalization, earlier disability, and higher rates of premature death (before the age of 65) for African Americans. The annual rate of first heart attacks and first strokes is higher for African AMericans than White Americans.

The prevalence of high blood pressure (hypertension) in African Americans is among the highest in the world, and it is increasing. Rates are particularly high for African American women.