Why Black Americans have a higher rate of heart disease

Published 4 Min Read

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Health disparities between Black and white Americans are everywhere, from pregnancy to overall shorter life spans; heart disease is no different. 

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Black Americans are 30% more likely to die from heart disease than white Americans. While this can be linked to how Black Americans experience higher rates of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol — all of which are chronic conditions that contribute to heart disease — there are deeper systemic factors at the root of these statistics.

Deanna Cuadra
Senior Reporter

Deanna Cuadra is a senior reporter at Employee Benefit News. Her work covers healthcare, U.S. policy and reform, challenges faced by women and parents in the workplace and innovation in work culture … Read full bio


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