Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to several types of heart conditions. It is the leading cause of death for most groups in the United States, including African Americans. African Americans are more likely to have conditions that increase their risk for CVD.

Did you know one person dies every 33 seconds in the United States (U.S.) from CVD? About 695,000 people in the U.S. died from heart disease in 2021—that’s 1 in every 5 deaths, costing the U.S. over $200 billion each year. This includes costs related to health care services, medicines, and lost productivity due to death.

These conditions do not equally affect all demographics and may particularly affect the African American community. This article will address the basics of cardiovascular disease, explore common conditions and risk factors, and shed light on their impact within the African American community.

What Is Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD)?

CVD refers to disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels. One type of CVD is atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD). This occurs when plaque, or fatty deposits, buildup on the walls of the blood vessels and decrease or block blood flow. Since blood vessels deliver blood to organs throughout the body, ASCVD may affect more than just the heart. For example, decreased blood flow to the brain could result in a stroke.

The buildup of plaque that leads to ASCVD is caused, in part, by LDL-cholesterol and lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a).

Common CVD Conditions and Risk Factors

The following conditions fall under the umbrella of cardiovascular disease:

• Coronary artery disease (most common), which causes heart attacks
• Peripheral artery disease – blockages in blood vessels in the legs
• Heart failure
• Heart rhythm problems
• Stroke

Various risk factors contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease such as:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels, including Lp(a)
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Poor diet
• Genetics and family history

Impact on the African American Community

CVD disproportionately affects African Americans. This health disparity stems from a combination of genetics, social factors, and disparities in healthcare access and quality.

Several factors contribute to the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease among African Americans. We have higher rates of hypertension, obesity, and diabetes which puts us at an increased risk of developing heart-related conditions.

African Americans may face barriers to receiving quality care, including bias from healthcare providers, lack of quality healthcare, and inadequate representation in clinical trials for cardiovascular treatments.

Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE)

MACE is an acronym used commonly by researchers. You may see this term while reading about clinical trials. Major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, have a profound impact on the African American community. Not only are African Americans more likely to experience these events, but they also face higher mortality rates and worse outcomes compared to other racial groups.

The aftermath of major cardiovascular events can be devastating for families, and the emotional toll of losing loved ones prematurely to heart disease is overwhelming.

Are you at Risk?

Many of the risk factors associated with CVD are controllable, but there are some risk factors that are not. Lp(a) is different from other types of cholesterol. Elevated levels are genetic, and neither taking cholesterol medication nor making lifestyle changes such as improving eating habits or increasing physical activity will help lower levels. [insert link to elevated lipoproteins 101 article]

Most people are not aware of their Lp(a) level, but it can be checked with a simple blood test if requested by your healthcare provider. Researchers believe that lowering Lp(a) might lower the risk for heart disease, stroke, or peripheral artery disease.

Clinical research studies are investigating CVDs and risk factors associated with them, including Lp(a). Click here to learn more.

References:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart Disease Facts.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Heart Disease.
• American College of Cardiology. Lipoprotein(a) in Clinical Practice
• National Library of Medicine. Lipoprotein(a): A Genetically Determined, Causal, and Prevalent Risk Factor for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Lipoprotein (a)