Heart disease is the leading cause of death for Black and Brown women—yet many don’t know their unique risks. These ten facts highlight what every woman of color should understand to protect her heart and health better.
Number 1: It’s The Silent Killer
Heart disease is known as the silent killer, and cardiovascular disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined. Yet only 44% of women recognize that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat.
Number 2: All Ages Are Impacted by Heart Disease
Heart disease is not something that only impacts older adults; it can impact us at any age. In fact, 59% percent of Black women ages 20 and over are living with some form of cardiovascular disease.
Number 3: Your Weight Can Be a Factor
Almost 57% of Black women have obesity, making them the highest percentage among all racial, ethnic, and sex groups. Excess weight can strain the heart, raise cholesterol, and increase inflammation, ultimately making it a major driver of heart disease.
Number 4: Undiagnosed Diabetes Increases Your Chances of Heart Disease
Black women are more likely to have undiagnosed diabetes. High blood sugar damages blood vessels over time, which accelerates plaque buildup and sharply increases the risk of heart disease.
Number 5: We Are at a Higher Risk of Strokes
Stroke prevalence is highest among Black women (5.4%) compared with all women (2.9%). Stroke and heart disease share the same underlying issues of having blocked or damaged blood vessels. This means high stroke rates signal elevated cardiovascular risk overall.
Number 6: Hypertension is a Contributing Factor
When was the last time you checked your blood pressure? 4% of Black women have high blood pressure, one of the highest rates worldwide. Hypertension forces the heart to work harder, weakens arteries, and is the leading cause of heart attacks and heart failure.
Number 7: Giving Birth Puts You at an Increased Risk
Cardiovascular disease is the 1 killer of new moms and accounts for over one-third of maternal deaths. Black women have some of the highest maternal mortality rates.
Number 8: Preeclampsia & Gestational Diabetes Are Also Factors
If you have high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes during pregnancy, it greatly increases a woman’s risk for developing cardiovascular disease later in life.
Number 9: Lower Estrogen Levels in Menopause
Low estrogen, particularly during menopause, increases heart disease risk in Black women by reducing cardiovascular protection, leading to higher LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, increased blood pressure, artery stiffening, and greater inflammation.
Number 10: Women May Not Receive CPR
Women are often less likely to receive bystander CPR because rescuers often fear accusations of inappropriate touching, sexual assault, or injuring the victim.
Knowing your risk is the first step to prevention. Use these facts to start conversations, make informed choices, and take control of your heart’s health. By making small changes today, you can protect your future and live a heart-healthy lifestyle. Click here to learn more.
Sources:
Heart Disease and Black Women: Risk, Factors, Prevention Strategies
Heart Disease and Stroke in Black Women
Unsettling Risk of Heart Disease in Black Women
Working Together to Reduce Black Maternal Mortality
A Heart to Heart About Cardiovascular Disease
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