Government health officials are warning that Black Americans have the highest rates of heart disease compared to other racial groups in the United States. Government agencies are promising to work harder to fight the unequal impact of heart disease on Black communities. They plan to do this through raising awareness, improving access to healthcare, and encouraging people to take steps to prevent heart problems.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for most Americans, claiming a life every 33 seconds. However, Black communities are affected even more. They often face challenges in getting the care, medication, and safe places to exercise that can help prevent heart problems. In 2019, Black adults were 30% more likely to die from heart disease than white adults.
A study from 2015-2018 found that over 60% of Black men and nearly 59% of Black women have some form of heart disease. While heart disease deaths have gone down overall in the past 20 years, the differences between racial groups are still a big concern.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) is sharing resources like the CDC’s “Seven Strategies to Live a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle” to help people take control of their heart health. The American Heart Association is also running a campaign during Black History Month to educate more people about this important issue.
See: “Feds Focus on Cardiovascular Health Disparities as American Heart Month and Black History Month Coincide” by Mark Spivey on the ICD10monitor website (February 12, 2024)
