In this article, we’ll review conditions that disproportionately affect Black people in the United States and the reasons behind the disparities. We’ll also address what Black people can do to close the health gap for these conditions.
HEART DISEASE
Despite having lower rates than white people, Black people in the United States are 30% more likely to die from heart disease. It’s also more likely to affect Black adults at a younger age.
As for many of the conditions where health disparities exist, the reasons are complex. But it’s worth noting that Black Americans have higher rates of the major risk factors for heart disease — hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and smoking.
What You Can Do
Maintain a moderate weight.
Check your blood pressure regularly and take steps to moderate it.
Adopt heart-healthy habits.
Know your family history.
OBESITY
Black adults in the United States are 30% more likely to have obesity than white adults. This disparity is even greater for children and teens (50%) and women (50%). Obesity is a risk factor for several conditions on this list and can contribute to worse outcomes for other conditions.
What You Can Do
Help Black children establish balanced eating habits early in life.
Support community efforts to improve access to affordable, nutritious food.
Regularly engage in physical activity.
DIABETES
Black adults in the United States are twice as likely as White adults to develop type 2 diabetes. That’s when your body can’t produce enough insulin to keep your blood sugar levels down. This disparity is largely due to genetics, high obesity rates, and socioeconomic factors.
Complications from diabetes, like kidney disease, are also more common among Black people. Efforts to control risk factors like obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are of utmost importance.
What You Can Do
Maintain a moderate weight.
Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
If you have diabetes, monitor and manage your blood sugar levels to avoid complications.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), 55% of Black adults in the United States have high blood pressure (hypertension). That’s one of the highest rates in the world. If you’re Black, it’s also more likely to affect you earlier in life than it affects white people.
The AHA lists obesity and diabetes as two major contributing factors. But stress and racial discrimination might also play a role in this disparity.
The same steps you take to control other risk factors related to heart health can help reduce your risk of hypertension or control your blood pressure if it’s already high.
What You Can Do
Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a moderate weight.
Limit your intake of salt and alcohol.
Find ways to manage your stress.
Check your blood pressure regularly.