Recently my youngest daughter celebrated her 18th birthday, and it was with that milestone that I realized that I was indeed a middle-aged woman.
I guess in my head I was still that “full of energy” young girl from Pine Bluff, Arkansas who could not wait to see the world. However, there were obvious signs that I was not as young as I used to be. For instance, I was freezing my family out of my home due to my own personal summer raging through my body.
Secondly, my morning routine required a little bit more effort to get going. I was no longer able to just jump out of bed. My joints yearned for some gentle stretches. Lastly, I noticed that I prefer to go to bed early than to attend some late-night events.
As I pondered this epiphany of my advancing age, I started thinking about what this meant for my health going forward. As a Black woman, what should I be concerned about and where should I focus my efforts?
Black women are profoundly affected by cardiovascular disease. Though cardiovascular disease is the #1 cause of death for all women, the greatest burden of disease is felt by Black women at 59% per the American Heart Association. Roughly fifty thousand Black women die each year from cardiovascular disease. Various factors contribute to this disparity including obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
Compared to white women, Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with hypertension. Greater than 50% of Black women over the age of 20, have high blood pressure. However, only 20% of the Black women with hypertension have blood pressures within normal range.
This increased prevalence is often rooted in a combination of genetic predisposition and the socio-economic pressures faced by Black communities, including high-stress environments, food deserts, and limited access to quality healthcare.
Additionally, Black women are more likely to be single mothers as compared to white, Asian, and Hispanic women. 47% of Black mothers were single mothers in 2023, which was higher than the national average which was 21%. In addition to leading a single parent home, Black women are extremely likely to also be a caregiver. The demands as a result of that particular lifestyle leads to little room for exercise, sleep, and healthy meal preparation.
Socioeconomic status also plays a pivotal role in the health disparities faced by Black women. The communities in which Black women reside often have fewer resources, limited access to nutritious foods, and reduced opportunities for physical activity.
Socio-economic struggles can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as unhealthy eating and sedentary lifestyles. Furthermore, research has shown Black women even when they do seek medical care are often not provided the standard of care or referred to specialists at the same rates as other populations.
Cardiovascular disease poses a significant threat to the health of Black women. However, there is no singular cause but an interplay of social, economic, and biological factors. Reducing cardiovascular disparities in Black women will require community support, increased access to healthcare, and advocacy around policy change.
Denise Hooks-Anderson, MD, FAAFP can be reached at yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com