HEALTH FOCUS: Preventing Heart Disease for African Americans

(From the Association of Black Cardiologists)

79 percent of at-risk African Americans over 40 do not view cardiovascular disease as a major health concern

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Heart disease claims the lives of more than 37 percent of African Americans who die each year, but according to the results of a survey released today, called "Baby Steps to Heart Health," it may be easier than patients think to incorporate activities that help prevent cardiovascular disease into their daily routines. This survey shows that while nearly 80 percent of at-risk African Americans may underestimate the dangers of heart disease -- the number one killer of African-Americans -- there are simple and easy ways to reduce their risk. From exercising while doing household chores, to taking a daily low dose aspirin, Americans are more likely to stick with activities that are easy to incorporate into their everyday life.*

The "Baby Steps to Heart Health" survey of 1,000 at-risk Americans over age 40 and 300 cardiologists was sponsored by the Association of Black Cardiologists and underwritten by a grant from McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals, makers of St. Joseph 81mg Aspirin. The goal of this survey was to help raise public awareness of the dangers of heart disease and the preventative benefits of small, or "baby" steps towards better health.

"This survey demonstrated that African-Americans are aware of what they need to do to improve their overall health, but often find it difficult to make those major lifestyle changes," says Dr. Malcolm Taylor, President of the Association of Black Cardiologists.

When asked to rank their favorite ways of working exercise into daily routines, survey participants placed the following at the top of the list:

1. Doing household chores (68 percent)
2. Carrying in groceries (46 percent)
3. Walking or riding your bike (44 percent)
4. Parking further away so that you may walk more (41 percent)
5. Playing with the kids or pets (39 percent)

"For both men and women, these everyday activities can be a great way to begin moving towards a more active lifestyle. But Americans need to maintain that momentum," said MaryAnn McLaughlin, M.D., MPH of the Cardiovascular Institute at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. "It's the small things that pave the way for the major lifestyle changes that can make a huge difference in preventing cardiovascular disease."

Health Conditions Putting Individuals at Greater Risk For Heart Disease

1. Obesity / Overweight (34%)
2. Physical Inactivity / Lack of Exercise (32%)
3. Smoking (33%)

The "Baby Steps to Heart Health" survey also found that many African Americans still underestimate their risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Only 22 percent of the at-risk respondents surveyed believed they were personally in danger of developing heart disease and many missed the link between certain health conditions and heart disease, further highlighting the need for more education around risk factors. When asked what asked what condition put individuals at greater risk for heart disease, African American respondents answered the following:

"This survey shows that we need to raise awareness of heart disease and the factors that put people at risk in the African American community," says Dr. Malcolm Taylor, President of the Association of Black Cardiologists. "Not understanding your risk can be potentially life threatening."

When asked how challenging it would be to change or modify a variety of behaviors, those surveyed ranked the following activities the most difficult on a scale of 1 to 5:

1. Losing Weight
2. Reducing Stress
3. Quitting Smoking
4. Exercising Regularly
5. Lowering Blood Pressure

This survey showed that African Americans felt that regular doctors visits (84 percent) and daily low dose aspirin (73 percent) were the easiest preventative measures to integrate into their lifestyles. Of those surveyed however, only one out of three at-risk respondents said they are currently on a low dose aspirin regimen and only 29 percent said they were currently seeing a cardiologist.

"When recommended by a doctor, Aspirin can play an important role in heart health," says Dr. Taylor, "Americans are often uncomfortable taking certain medications, but many of us grew up taking a low dose aspirin, like St. Joseph and, as a result, we feel very comfortable taking it as adults. Talk to your doctor to see if a daily low-dose 81mg aspirin can help you to avoid a heart attack and stroke," he added.

It is estimated that some 62 million individuals have some form of heart disease, but there are a number of simple steps Americans can follow to reduce their risk. Simple baby steps, that can lead to greater heart health include:

• Twist or Shout but Move, Move, Move:
  Increase your level of physical activity. Try simple things like walking, cycling, dancing, gardening, playing with children or washing the car.
   
• Simply Substitute!
  Whenever possible substitute high fat/calorie ingredients in your everyday cooking. Use leaner cuts of meat, remove the skin from chicken, use olive oil instead of butter. Also try replacing snacks like cookies and potato chips with more healthful foods you enjoy, like fresh fruits and vegetables.
   
• Pass These Tests with Flying Colors:
  Get your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar tested regularly. Understand the numbers; know what they mean to your overall health.
   
• Doctor, Doctor!
  Get regular medical checkups. Speak with a doctor to determine if a low-dose aspirin, like St. Joseph 81mg Aspirin, is an appropriate therapy for you.

About the Association of Black Cardiologists

The ABC is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 volunteer organization of more than 800 African-American cardiologists and medical professionals that is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).

In 1974, the initial groundwork was laid by Dr. Richard Allen Williams and sixteen other cardiologists, to form the ABC. The organization's establishment emerged out of a need for health providers, particularly those who provide cardiovascular care to African-Americans, to coalesce as a group to promote primary prevention, quality of life and culturally sensitive clinical management of cardiovascular diseases.

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