Heart Disease and Stroke in Black Women

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer for all women, but Black women experience the highest burden. 59% percent of Black women ages 20 and over are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. That’s why it’s so important Black women know how to take action to protect their health.

Here are some more unsettling stats about cardiovascular disease in Black women:

• Black women have the highest prevalence of high blood pressure. Only 25% of Black women have their blood pressure under control.
• Almost 57% of Black women are obese, the highest percentage among all racial, ethnic, and sex groups.
• Black women are more likely to have undiagnosed diabetes.
• The prevalence of stroke for Black women is two times higher than that of white women.

When it comes to prevention, awareness and education are key. Women should know their unique risk factors and speak to their health care team about reducing risk.

Women should also make it a goal to follow the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, a checklist for good lifelong health. This includes a healthy diet, physical activity, not smoking, adequate sleep, and controlling weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.

Pregnancy, Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk for Black Women

Throughout a woman’s life, her risk for cardiovascular disease can change, especially during pregnancy and menopause.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S. Black women are more likely to develop pregnancy-related heart problems than other women. The rate of maternal mortality for Black women is 3.5 times higher compared with non-Hispanic white women, making it especially important for Black women to understand their risk for cardiovascular disease before, during and after pregnancy. Leading causes of deaths are linked to postpartum cardiomyopathy (a type of heart failure) and blood pressure disorders preeclampsia and eclampsia.

Menopause does not cause cardiovascular disease, however, menopausal changes can impact cardiovascular health. Women who reach menopause before 45 years of age have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, and many Black women experience menopause at younger ages. The age menopause begins can be influenced by length of menstrual cycle, worse cardiovascular health during reproductive years and socioeconomic factors. For all women, the years leading up to and after menopause are a critical time to care for their health.

Though these statistics are alarming, there is hope. Black women can make healthier choices to lower their risk for a heart attack, stroke and other heart-related problems. Learn how to take charge of your heart health today.