HEART DISEASE IN BLACK WOMEN - WHAT TO KNOW

The most common disease that tends to get misdiagnosed in Black women is cardiovascular disease, and it can refer to several different conditions. Coronary heart disease (CHD) affects about 60% of Black women who are over the age of 20 years old (Scripps Health, 2024). CHD, also known as coronary artery disease, is a type of cardiovascular disease where the arteries of the heart cannot deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart. It affects the major coronary arteries that are located on the surface of the heart and is the most well-known deadly condition affecting African American women worldwide. Three main critical conditions that can significantly increase the likelihood of developing CHD are hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and obesity (Ogunniyi et al., 2022).

Black women often experience heart disease in a different way compared to men, and lack of recognition of this has been shown to have adverse consequences. Black women are much less likely than men to experience any chest pain at all. Instead, they frequently experience symptoms which include shortness of breath, cold sweats, malaise, dyspnea, jaw and back pain, dizziness, angina, vomiting, and extreme fatigue, which can be more difficult to link to heart problems (McSweeney et al., 2010). Just one-third of Black women are aware that pain radiating to the arms, neck, or shoulder could be an indication of a heart attack, and only 40% know that chest pain can be a warning of a heart attack (Scripps Health, 2024).

Other health conditions and lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of developing CHD in black women (McSweeney et al., 2010, & NHLBI 2024)

●     Psychosocial stress/anxiety, depression, marital problems or low social support

●     Adverse pregnancy outcomes

●     Racism and discrimination

●     Social determinants of health(e.g., eduction, income, access to care)

●     Tobacco use 

●     Dyslipidemia

●     Nicotine addiction

●     Family history of heart disease

●     Autoimmune and inflammatory disease

●     Physical inactivity

●     Metabolic Syndrome: large waistline, high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, high blood triglycerides ( type of fat found in your blood) can raise your levels of LDL cholesterol aka “bad” cholesterol and lower levels of HDL cholesterol aka “good” cholesterol

●     Body mass index (BMI) over 29, (A BMI calculator is available on the main page of our website.)

Some treatments for CHD:

●     Lifestyle changes (e.g., avoid smoking/drinking, eating healthy (low in saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars) and Increase physical activity)  

●     Medications

●     Cardiac catheterization with stenting or coronary artey bypass heart surgery 

A combination of the above treatments are often used.

If you prefer a more holistic approach to medicine, many experts (Griffin et al., 2023; Streb & Adam, 2023) recommend taking supplements and making changes in your diet and physical activities. According to the American Heart Association, an individual should exercise for 150 minutes per week, or roughly 30 minutes five days a week. An excellent activity is one that raises your heart rate to the point where you can say three or four words before needing to take a breath. According to (Berg et al.,) getting the recommended amount of moderate physical activity can reduce the overall mortality rate of cardiovascular disease by 22% to 31%.

Some Supplements For CHD (Griffin et al., 2023, Streb & Adam 2023)

●     Garlic

●     Fish oil (omega 3)

●     Fiber (oatmeal, green leafy vegetables)

●     Vitamin B12, folic acid, B6

●     Magnesium

●     Flaxseed oil

●     Red yeast rice

When it comes to supplements it is highly recommended that you treat with the same caution as prescribed meditation. Always consult with your primary care physician or cardiologist before taking any supplements regimen especially, women of reproductive age. They should always have their healthcare provider review any supplements they are interested in taking before starting.

Cardiovascular disease, particularly coronary heart disease (CHD), continues to be the leading cause of death in Black women. Improvements in outcome could be achieved through increased awareness of the symptoms which manifest differently in women than in men. Having a good relationship with your health care providers, as well as understanding the social factors involved in health care are very important in improving your health.

A diagram of a social behavioral model for improving outcome in an article written by

Imo Ebong 1, Khadijah Breathett 2,✉ 

could be useful in approaching prevention and treatment of CHD.

References

Ogunniyi, Modele O et al. “Eliminating Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease for Black Women: JACC Review Topic of the Week.” Journal of the American College of Cardiology vol. 80,18 (2022): 1762-1771. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2022.08.769

McSweeney, Jean C et al. “Racial differences in women's prodromal and acute symptoms of myocardial infarction.” American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses vol. 19,1 (2010): 63-73. doi:10.4037/ajcc2010372

Heart Disease in Black Women: What To Look For.” Scripps Health, 30 January 2024, https://www.scripps.org/news_items/5959-heart-disease-and-black-women-risk-factors-prevention-strategies? Accessed 5 May 2025.

Streb, Adam J. “What To Know About 4 Popular Heart Health Supplements.” Rochester Regional Health, 8 February 2024, https://www.rochesterregional.org/hub/heart-health-supplements. Accessed 11 May 2025

Möller-Leimkühler,  Anne Maria.”Gender differences in cardiovascular disease and comorbid depression.” Dialogues clin neurosci, 9((2007):71–83.

Imo Ebong 1, Khadijah Breathett 2,✉

The Cardiovascular Disease Epidemic in African American Women: Recognizing and Tackling a Persistent Problem

Leening, M. J., Ferket, B. S., Steyerberg, E. W., Kavousi, M., Deckers, J. W., Nieboer, D., Heeringa, J., Portegies, M. L., Hofman, A., Ikram, M. A., Hunink, M. G., Franco, O. H., Stricker, B. H., Witteman, J. C., & Roos-Hesselink, J. W. (2014). Sex differences in lifetime risk and first manifestation of cardiovascular disease: prospective population based cohort study. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 349, g5992. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.g5992

About Women and Heart Disease | Heart Disease.” CDC, 15 May 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/women-and-heart-disease.html. Accessed 1 May 2025.

Coronary Heart Disease - Women and Heart Disease | NHLBI, NIH.” NHLBI.NIH.gov, 27 December 2024, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/coronary-heart-disease/women. Accessed 1 May 2025.

“American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults and Kids.” American Heart Association, 19 January 2024, https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults. Accessed 13 May 2025

Griffin, Morgan. “Supplements for Heart Health.” WebMD, 22 September 2023, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/supplements-heart-healthy. Accessed 1 May 2025.

Berg, Sara. “Massive study uncovers how much exercise is needed to live longer.” American Medical Association, 23 January 2024, https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/massive-study-uncovers-how-much-exercise-needed-live-longer. Accessed 13 May 2025