February is National Heart Month, the time when the nation highlights heart disease. Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans. One in three women are diagnosed with heart disease annually. Black women are at greater risk of heart disease than any other racial group.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), stroke and heart disease are the leading causes of death for Black women. Cardiovascular diseases account for more than 50,000 deaths annually. Approximately 60% of Black women ages 20 and older have a cardiovascular disease. Approximately 60% of Black women have high blood pressure; only two in 10 have their blood pressure under control. Only 40% of Black women are aware that chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack. Only one in three Black women recognize that pain spreading to the shoulder, neck or arms is a potential heart attack sign. There are also other symptoms that include fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, back or jaw pain. These symptoms may not raise suspicion of heart problems, which often leads to an incorrect diagnosis.
According to research, there may be genetic reasons that makes Black people more sensitive to the effects of salt. Salt increases the risk of developing high blood pressure – as little as an extra half teaspoon of salt could raise blood pressure. Black women also have higher obesity rates which puts them at greater risk for high blood pressure and heart disease. Health disparities and social factors continue to be a major factor as well. Important factors include access to money and resources for life’s basic needs, quality education and healthcare, access to nutritious food, and a safe and supportive living environment.
What can we do to combat the issue?
There are many solutions to manage heart disease amongst Black women. It’s important to make time for wellness visits annually. Being properly diagnosed is critical to treating any illness. Manage your blood pressure and control cholesterol levels. Get active by implementing a regular exercise routine. A simple 30-minute walk daily makes a big difference. Exercise improves your energy levels, decreases the negative effects of stress, and helps you to sleep more soundly. Make better food choices; emphasize fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy products, whole grains, lean meats, seafood, poultry, nuts and seeds.
You can also reduce sugar and salt intake. Eliminate smoking – it speeds up the clogging and narrowing of coronary arteries. This can reduce the blood flow and increase the risk of having a heart attack. Lastly, get the proper amount of sleep. Sleep plays an important role in all aspects of physical health. It provides time for the body to restore and revitalize. Inadequate or fragmented sleep can contribute to complications with blood pressure and heightened risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke.
Many cases of heart disease are preventable when you implement a healthier lifestyle. Work with your healthcare provider to identify your own personal risks and ways to decrease them. Be empowered to take control of your health by making sustainable changes. Prioritize your well-being. Your future self will be appreciative for the choices that you make now.
Featured image by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash.