MINNEAPOLIS — How’s your ticker? Is your heart operating at its fullest potential?
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), more than 1.5 million Americans have heart attacks or strokes each year. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says heart disease is the leading cause of death for people of all races/ethnicities in the United States.
Cardiovascular disease impacts the body’s heart and circulatory system. Heart disease includes coronary artery disease, heart attacks, high blood pressure, strokes, atrial fibrillation and more.
According to data from the CDC:
- Every 33 seconds, someone in the U.S. dies from cardiovascular disease.
- Every year 805,000 Americans have a heart attack. That’s about one every 40 seconds. For 75% of those people, it’s a first-time occurrence.
- 1 in every 5 deaths reported in 2021 was because of heart disease.
Racial disparities
Heart disease affects Black Americans at higher rates. Black men and women are 30 percent more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic whites. Additionally, the Office of Minority Health at HHS reports Black Americans are 30 percent more likely to have high blood pressure, they are less likely to have their blood pressure under control. Black women are nearly 50 percent more likely to have high blood pressure, as compared to their white counterparts.
National Institute of Health-Library of Medicine cites a variety of reasons for the health disparities. Many of those disparities involve Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). SDoH are nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes. The determinants include differences in access to care, lower rates of insurance coverage, inability of afford medications, substandard housing, access to nutritious food, and cultural barriers.
In 2021 the CDC launched a special effort to address the social determinants of health and come up with ways to correct the disparities. It has identified six pillars or areas on which to focus. Learn more about them here.
Risk Factors
There are many common traits among people with heart disease. Genetics play a factor. Scientists have identified nearly two dozen genetic markers that appear in families with heart disease.
Lifestyle choices also play a major role in who develops heart disease. People with poor diets, lack of regular exercise, being overweight, having diabetes, and drinking alcohol to excess are more likely to have cardiovascular problems.
Strategies to Improve and Protect your Heart’s Health
Access to quality care is certainly an important part of enjoying a healthy life. Personal choices are important too. The CDC says people of all races should follow the ABCS to safeguard their heart health.
A – take aspirin if your health care provider recommends it
B – control your blood pressure with diet, exercise, and medication if necessary
C – control your cholesterol with diet, exercise, and medications
S – don’t smoke or use vaping products.
Add an E to the list - Enlist a team of people (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, grocery store dieticians, clergy, family members, etc.) to help make healthy lifestyle choices.
The Million Hearts® 2027 project has a goal of averting one million cardiovascular disease events between now and 2026. Check out their website to find ways to bring your community together to combat heart disease. Follow Million Hearts® on X (formerly Twitter) to receive weekly messages of encouragement and tips aimed at improving your own heart health.
Know Your Numbers
The information in this article is provided by Health Fair 11 as part of its Know Your Numbers Campaign. Health Fair 11 is a not-for-profit organization that operates with financial support from sponsorships and grants. KARE 11 TV is its media partner.
Health Fair 11 is currently looking for new projects and sponsors. Contact us at healthfair@kare11.com for details. Learn more about our past projects at www.HealthFair11.org.
