Closing the Heart Health Gap in Black and Brown Communities

“I see firsthand how deeply this silent threat impacts the lives of my patients and their families,” says Dr. Frederick Ochieng, a cardiologist with Prairie Cardiovascular. “But I also see the immense power of early intervention.”

If you are Black, Hispanic or of Middle Eastern descent, the numbers about your heart health can feel overwhelming. You may have heard that heart disease shows up earlier in Black and Brown communities, causes more damage and leads to higher death rates.

But statistics are not destiny. Most cardiovascular problems are preventable, and you have more power than you think.

The Reality of Heart Health Disparities

Heart disease does not affect every community the same way. In many minority populations, it hits harder and often goes undetected until a critical event, such as a heart attack or stroke, occurs.

The numbers paint a clear picture of the urgency:

• African Americans are 30% more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic whites. 
• Nearly 48% of African American women and more than half of Black adults live with some form of cardiovascular disease. 
• Hispanic Americans face heart disease as the second leading cause of death, often complicated by higher rates of diabetes and obesity. 
• Individuals of Middle Eastern descent have an increased prevalence of heart disease risk factors, often manifesting at younger ages. 

Beyond Genetics: Understanding Cardiovascular Health Equity 

Why does this gap exist? For years, the conversation focused solely on genetics. While family history matters, cardiovascular health equity looks at the bigger picture.

Your heart health is deeply influenced by "social determinants of health"—the conditions in which you are born, grow, live and work.

• Systemic barriers: Lack of access to quality grocery stores (food deserts) makes heart disease prevention through diet difficult. 
• Chronic stress: The cumulative effect of discrimination, financial strain and navigating systemic bias creates "weathering," a physiological stress response that damages the heart over time. 
• Medical mistrust: Historical injustices in medicine have created a valid mistrust of the healthcare system in many communities of color. This can lead to delaying necessary care or cholesterol screening until symptoms become severe. 

Acknowledging these barriers is the first step toward breaking them down. It is not your fault that these barriers exist, but it is within your power to navigate them with the right support team.

Overcoming Barriers to Care 

At HSHS and Prairie Cardiovascular, we are committed to closing the gap. We understand that visiting a doctor can be intimidating, especially if you feel unheard.

If you are facing obstacles to care:

• Address cost concerns: Don't let insurance status stop you. Ask about financial assistance programs for essential tests like cholesterol screenings. 
• Seek cultural competence: You deserve a provider who listens to you and understands your cultural context. When booking an appointment, ask for a provider who has experience with minority heart health. 
• Ask about language: If English is not your preferred language, request an interpreter when you schedule your visit to ensure you fully understand your stroke risk and care plan. 

Simple Steps for Heart Disease Prevention 

“Knowing your numbers is essential,” says Dr. Ochieng. “High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and is especially common in our communities. However, it is often manageable with lifestyle changes and, when needed, medication.”

Preventive cardiology relies on three key pillars:

1. Know Your Numbers

   You cannot manage what you do not measure. Schedule an annual wellness visit with a primary care doctor or a cardiologist to check: 
   • Blood pressure: High pressure damages arteries over time. 
   • Cholesterol: High levels of "bad" cholesterol clog arteries. 
   • Blood sugar: Diabetes significantly raises heart disease risk. 

2. Get Screened Early

   A Heart calcium score is a non-invasive CT scan that detects calcium buildup in your arteries. This test gives your doctor critical information about your risk for heart attacks years before symptoms appear.

3. Move and Eat with Purpose

   Dr. Ochieng recommends these manageable lifestyle shifts: 
   • Movement: Aim for 20–30 minutes of walking, three to five days a week. 
   • Nutrition: Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables. If fresh is too expensive or unavailable, frozen vegetables (without sauce) are a nutritious, budget-friendly alternative.
   • Sodium: Reduce salt intake to lower high blood pressure. Flavor food with herbs, spices, garlic and onions instead of heavy seasoning salts. 
   • Stress Management: Prayer, meditation, hobbies, or simply spending time with loved ones are powerful medicines for the heart. 

Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore 

In women and minority groups, symptoms can be subtle. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. 
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. 
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. 
• Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. 

Questions to Ask Your Doctor 

Empower yourself during your next appointment. Bring these questions with you:

1. "Given my family history and background, what is my specific risk for heart disease?"
2. "Is my blood pressure in a healthy range for my age and ethnicity?" 
3. "What specific lifestyle changes will have the biggest impact on my heart health right now?" 

When to See a Cardiologist

“When we catch heart disease early, we can often prevent serious complications like heart attacks or stroke,” says Dr. Ochieng.

Do not wait for an emergency. You should schedule an appointment with a specialist if you:

• Have a family history of heart disease. 
• Have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. 
• Are over the age of 40 and have never had a heart screening. 
• Have concerns about your stroke risk or overall cardiovascular health. 

You deserve care that listens, understands and supports you.

A healthier future is possible. By understanding your risks and taking small steps today, you can protect your heart — and help build stronger generations ahead.

Schedule an Appointment with a Heart Specialist