Have you ever wondered why some people are more likely to have heart problems than others? We know that African Americans have a higher risk of major heart issues, but do we know why? Understanding the underlying causes is crucial in addressing and minimizing the disproportionate burden of cardiovascular diseases within the African American community.

Understanding Heart Issues

Heart issues, like heart attacks and strokes, are serious health problems. They can make you feel sick, but they can also go undetected until it is too late. Heart conditions can even be life-threatening if not treated or prevented.

Why Are African Americans at Higher Risk?

Several factors contribute to why African Americans are more prone to major heart issues. One major reason is high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. This is when the force of blood against your artery walls is too high. This may be caused by increased build-up of plaque (which includes fat and cholesterol) in your arteries. High blood pressure can damage your blood vessels and make your heart work harder, which increases your risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Lifestyle choices also play a role. Things like eating unhealthy foods, not getting enough exercise, and smoking can all raise your risk of heart issues. These lifestyle choices may increase the amount of plaque build-up in the arteries. Practicing healthy lifestyle habits like healthy eating and exercising regularly can only improve your heart health.

Access to quality healthcare is important too, but one of the major factors to consider is genetics because we cannot control it. Some research suggests that African Americans may be more likely to have certain genes that increase heart disease risk.

Elevated Lipoprotein(a)

If you have a high level of Lp(a), you may have an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, or peripheral artery disease. High Lp(a) can be present in people of all races and ethnicities but is much more common in the Black community. Click here to learn more about elevated Lp(a).

Your risk of having elevated Lp(a) is strongly related to whether or not your parents or other close relatives had elevated Lp(a). Lp(a) levels cannot currently be lowered with approved medications or lifestyle changes. You may benefit from having your Lp(a) levels checked if:

• You have a personal or family history of cardiovascular disease early in life
• Your cholesterol level is severely elevated (>190 mg/dL)

Discuss your health history with your healthcare provider to determine if Lp(a) testing is appropriate for you.

Take Action

African Americans are more prone to major heart issues because of a number of different factors. Some of those factors can be controlled or limited while others, like genetics, can’t. Being proactive and tackling the uncontrollable factors is an ideal way to take control of your heart health.

While you cannot change your genetics there is research suggesting that lowering the level of Lp(a) might lower the risk for heart disease, stroke, or peripheral artery disease. Click here to learn more about clinical research trials investigating Lp(a).

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)