Heart disease is the No. 1 killer for all Americans, and stroke is also a leading cause of death. As frightening as those statistics are the
risks of getting those diseases are even higher for African-Americans.
Fast Facts: Black Americans & Heart Disease
Black Americans are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke than White Americans.1
Black women (49%) and Black men (44%) have higher rates of heart disease than White men (37%) and White women (32%).1
Between the ages of 45 and 64, Black men have a 70% higher risk and Black women have a 50% greater risk of developing heart failure than White men and women.2
The earlier onset of heart failure means higher rates of hospitalization, earlier disability, and higher rates of premature death (death before the age of 65) for Black Americans.2
The annual rate of first heart attacks and first strokes is higher for Black Americans than White Americans.1
Fast Facts: Black Americans & Risk Factors
The prevalence of high blood pressure (hypertension) in Black Americans is among the highest in the world, and it is increasing. Rates are particularly high for Black women.1
In addition, Blacks develop high blood pressure earlier in life and their average blood pressure numbers are much higher than Whites. As a result, Blacks have a 1.3-times greater rate of nonfatal stroke, a 1.8-times greater rate of fatal stroke, a 1.5-times greater rate of death attributable to heart disease than Whites.1
Black Americans are 77% more likely than White Americans to be diagnosed with diabetes.1
Black and Hispanic adults are more likely to be inactive 39.4% and 39.8%, respectively) than White adults (26.2%).1
Black (80%) and Mexican-American (78%) women are more likely to be overweight or obese than White women (60%).