Cardiovascular Disease & The African-American Patient
By Anthony Dorsey, MD
Cardiovascular disease has been the number one cause of death in the U.S. for over 100 years. This holds
true across racial and gender lines. However, the African-American community has a higher incidence
of cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, tobacco abuse, sedentary
lifestyle and obesity. These risk factors increase a person’s chance for heart attacks, stroke, kidney failure
and poor circulation in limbs (known as peripheral artery disease) and contribute to the development of
atherosclerosis (a build up of plaque in the arteries), which prevents an adequate supply of oxygen rich
blood and nutrients from reaching vital organs and limbs.
Every hour an African American dies from complications related to uncontrolled high blood
pressure. Most of these deaths are attributed to heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. Approximately 30
percent of African Americans have high blood pressure and less than 25 percent of these individuals are
controlled on medical therapy. Thirteen percent of African Americans have diabetes.
High cholesterol is another risk factor in the African American community, which is also undertreated
compared to Caucasian patients and is less often treated with appropriate cholesterol lowering drugs.
Another significant risk factor is genetics. It is important for individuals to be aware of a history of cardiovascular
disease in first degree relatives, such as parents and siblings, which may put one at risk for heart disease and
stroke, even if symptoms are not present.
Primary prevention is very important to address the epidemic of cardiovascular disease in the African
American community. Since risk factors are presenting earlier in life, it becomes important to screen some
individuals during childhood and adolescent years, especially if they are obese or have first degree
relatives who have had premature heart attack and strokes. Studies have shown the onset of high blood
obese or if there is a family history of premature cardiovascular disease in first degree relatives, then this
screening should be performed even earlier.
As patients become aware of risk factors and appropriate screening tests are performed, we can
shorten the racial gap of cardiovascular disease. Stay informed and take an active role in becoming healthier.
Adjust your lifestyle with a more healthy diet and increase exercise and aerobic activity. Medical therapy
may also need to be initiated to ensure that optimal control of high blood pressure, blood sugar and
cholesterol levels are maintained. The future health of African American community will depend on how well
we meet these requirements.
Dr. Anthony Dorsey
Board Certified Cardiologist
Atlanta Heart Specialists, LLC
www.atlantaheartspecialists.com
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