A recent government study in September 2010 showed that African Americans are nearly twice as likely to die from a heart-related disease than any other race. According to Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia, this study showed that younger African Americans between the ages of 35 and 44 had almost twice the rate of heart attack, stroke or heart failure as compared to their white peers. According to the MUSC Heart and Vascular Center, African-American women in particular have nearly a 45 percent higher frequency of cardiovascular disease than white women. Another 41 percent of African-American women reported not knowing their risks.
Obesity
Obesity and poor diet paired with a sedentary lifestyle can significantly increase risks for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and cardiovascular events leading to death. The American Heart Association suggests that African-American heredity and lifestyle factors have resulted in more than 77 percent of women and 63 percent of men over 20 years old developing a weight problem, which increases their risks.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a genetic factor in African-American heart disease risks. Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, is a condition in which the body cannot process sugar in the blood effectively and reacts with too little insulin production. The American Heart Association suggests that 13 million African Americans over the age of 20 have diabetes, yet many more do not know that they do. It is imperative to be screened at regular health checkups. An earlier diagnosis can help to address blood sugar with lifestyle and medication changes before complications such as kidney failure make recovery from heart disease impossible.
Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a silent killer among African Americans. The faster the blood pumps through the veins and arteries, the more pressure, strain and work the heart has to do. The heart ends up wearing out over years of this activity, especially if left undiagnosed and untreated with lifestyle changes and medication. The American Heart Association states that more than 40 percent of African Americans have hypertension.
