IMPROVING OUTCOMES: ADDRESSING CHALLENGES FACED BY BLACK WOMEN IN CARDIAC REHABILITATION

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), commonly known as heart disease, represents a multifaceted group of conditions impacting the heart and vasculature, encompassing ailments such as coronary artery disease, stroke, hypertension, atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, and more. In the United States, CVD exacts a staggering annual toll, claiming the lives of over 600,000 individuals. Alarmingly, CVD displays a starkly disproportionate impact across racial and ethnic groups, with Black Americans, American Indians, Alaskan natives, Hispanics, and White men being the most affected. For Black Americans, CVD stands as the leading cause of death, magnifying the urgency of addressing this issue. This ethnic disparity is further compounded by the fact that Black Americans diagnosed with CVD face significantly higher mortality rates compared to their non-Hispanic white counterparts. They are 30% more likely to succumb to CVD and nearly 50% more likely to face CVD-related mortality compared to Hispanics and non-Hispanic Asians. Moreover, Black Americans face a 40% higher likelihood of developing hypertension, a key precursor to CVD, in comparison to non-Hispanic whites, but paradoxically, they experience more challenges in achieving blood pressure control. This dilemma is particularly striking when considering the gender aspect, where Black women face an even greater risk for CVD. They not only manifest CVD at an earlier age but also grapple with higher CVD-related fatality rates in comparison to White women