HealthHBCU

Health topic

Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading killer of Black Americans. Prevention, treatment and the research changing those numbers.

The number

2x

Higher risk of heart failure for Black adults

Why it matters

High blood pressure develops earlier and more often in Black adults, and it is the single biggest driver of heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.

  • Know your blood pressure number
  • Check cholesterol every 4-6 years
  • Move 30 minutes, 5 days a week
  • Ask about salt in the foods you love
Doug E. Fresh and Sway Calloway Advocate for Cardiovascular Wellness in Black Communities

Latest · Heart Health

Doug E. Fresh and Sway Calloway Advocate for Cardiovascular Wellness in Black Communities

Hip-hop icons Doug E. Fresh and Sway Calloway are using their platforms to encourage Black Americans to prioritize cardiovascular wellness and preventive care.

September 22, 2026 · Source: The Root

Addressing the Disproportionate Impact of Heart Disease on Black Women

Heart Health

Addressing the Disproportionate Impact of Heart Disease on Black Women

Cardiovascular specialists highlight the urgent need for targeted prevention, bias reduction, and increased workforce diversity to combat disproportionate cardiac mortality among African American women.

September 22, 2026 · Source: ny1.com

Understanding the Elevated Risk of Stroke in Black Communities

Heart Health

Understanding the Elevated Risk of Stroke in Black Communities

High rates of hypertension, diabetes, and systemic health inequities place Black adults at an elevated risk for stroke, highlighting the urgent need for culturally competent cardiovascular care.

September 1, 2026 · Source: KERA News

Updated Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Tool Recalibrates Heart Disease Estimates for Women and Black Adults

Heart Health

Updated Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Tool Recalibrates Heart Disease Estimates for Women and Black Adults

An updated American Heart Association tool changes how cardiovascular disease is calculated for women and Black patients, shifting away from race-based metrics.

August 19, 2026 · Source: Inside Precision Medicine

Addressing Stroke Care Disparities for Black Patients in Rural Communities

Heart Health

Addressing Stroke Care Disparities for Black Patients in Rural Communities

Dr. Kevin Kwaku addresses the acute challenges facing Black rural stroke patients and highlights the urgent need for equitable cardiovascular care.

August 19, 2026 · Source: The Cardiology Advisor

Life-Stage Prevention Model Key to Closing Racial Disparities in Women's Heart Health

Heart Health

Life-Stage Prevention Model Key to Closing Racial Disparities in Women's Heart Health

A new study advocates for a lifelong, personalized approach to women's heart health to eliminate racial disparities and lower cardiovascular risks.

August 8, 2026 · Source: JACC Journals

Addressing Geography and Equity in Rural Hypertension Management

Heart Health

Addressing Geography and Equity in Rural Hypertension Management

A new American Heart Association focus highlights how geographical isolation and systemic inequities exacerbate high blood pressure risks for rural Black populations.

August 8, 2026 · Source: professional.heart.org

Stroke Risk May Differ for Black Adults Based on Where They Were Born

Heart Health

Stroke Risk May Differ for Black Adults Based on Where They Were Born

New research highlights how birth region influences long-term stroke susceptibility among Black Americans, pointing to the need for targeted public health interventions.

August 7, 2026 · Source: Brain & Life