Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes more than a quarter of all deaths
worldwide.
However, the risk of death from CVD varies greatly with ethnicity. Rates of
heart disease are higher in African Americans than in any other ethnic
group in the United States.
New research suggests that racism is associated with higher rates of heart
disease in Black women.
Two cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) — ischaemic heart disease and
stroke — are, according to the World Health Organization, the leading
causes of death worldwide. Together, they are responsible for 27% of the
world’s total deaths.The CDC advises that the risk of CVD is increased by several factors: high
blood pressure, or hypertension, unhealthy levels of cholesterol, diabetes,
obesity and lifestyle factors, such as a diet high in saturated fats, lack
of physical activity, smoking and excessive alcohol intake.
However, genetics and race also play a part in the risk of heart disease.
Although heart disease death rates have been falling in the United States
since 1999, these rates remain higherTrusted Source for Black people than
for other ethnic groups.
worldwide.
However, the risk of death from CVD varies greatly with ethnicity. Rates of
heart disease are higher in African Americans than in any other ethnic
group in the United States.
New research suggests that racism is associated with higher rates of heart
disease in Black women.
Two cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) — ischaemic heart disease and
stroke — are, according to the World Health Organization, the leading
causes of death worldwide. Together, they are responsible for 27% of the
world’s total deaths.The CDC advises that the risk of CVD is increased by several factors: high
blood pressure, or hypertension, unhealthy levels of cholesterol, diabetes,
obesity and lifestyle factors, such as a diet high in saturated fats, lack
of physical activity, smoking and excessive alcohol intake.
However, genetics and race also play a part in the risk of heart disease.
Although heart disease death rates have been falling in the United States
since 1999, these rates remain higherTrusted Source for Black people than
for other ethnic groups.
There may be many reasons for this. Black people have higher rates of some
of the risk factors for heart disease, such as hypertension and type 2
diabetes. And health inequity for People of Color in the U.S.—which
contributes to lower life expectancy, higher blood pressure, and strains on
mental health—may be, in part, due to racism.
