Since February is National Heart Health Month and Black History month, TMC wants to share some unfortunate realities and prejudices that exist in our modern-day western society. While we have evolved in many ways from a healthcare lens, we still have quite a way to go. We’d like to share some facts about the inequitable health picture for heart health in Black and Latino folks.  

According to the American Heart Association, only 46% of people suffering from cardiac arrest outside of hospitals receive CPR from bystanders, with CPR being 41% less likely to be performed on Black or Latino individuals. This troubling statistic underpins a broader issue: Black Americans have the highest incidence of cardiac arrest outside of hospitals and their survival rates are dismally low. Studies further reveal that cardiac arrest in predominantly Black neighborhoods is associated with alarmingly low treatment and survival rates, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness and targeted interventions. 

The higher susceptibility to heart disease among these communities can be attributed to several factors, more prevalently observed among Black patients. Factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles contribute significantly to the risk. However, these medical factors are rooted in and reflect historic racist and discriminatory practices and beliefs. These include structural inequities, such as limited access to nutritious foods and primary healthcare, which are less accessible in many Black and Latino communities  

According to Cleveland Clinic, “Which ethnic group has the highest rate of heart disease? 

Rates of heart disease vary depending on the specific diagnosis. Here are some key research findings from the U.S. 

Heart failure 

  • Black men have a 70% higher risk of heart failure compared with white men. 
  • Black women have a 50% higher risk of heart failure compared with white women. 
  • Black adults are more than twice as likely as white adults to be hospitalized for heart failure. They also spend longer in the hospital and are more likely to be admitted again within 90 days. 
  • Hispanic adults are more likely than white adults to have heart failure. 

Coronary artery disease and heart attack 

  • Black women are more likely than white women to have a heart attack. 
  • Black adults are more likely than white adults to die from a heart attack. 
  • Asian adults are less likely than other groups to have coronary artery disease. But there are some differences by ethnicity. Asian Indian men, Filipino men and Filipino women have a higher risk compared with white people. 
  • Young Hispanic women who have a heart attack face a higher risk of dying compared with young Hispanic men. They’re also more likely to die compared with young Black adults and young white adults.

As we continue to uncover and understand these disparities, the engagement and education of our community remain paramount in our journey towards a healthier and more equitable society.  At TMC, we are making concrete efforts to better understand who our current patients are so we can understand who is not seeking care and how to target those individuals so we can begin to dismantle these disparities.  It is not easy work, but we are committed to providing healthcare for everyone and creating a culture where all patients feel seen, heard and cared for.  

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