Matters of the Heart

Closing the Gap in Cardiovascular Health

February is American Heart Month a time to focus on the leading cause of death in the United States: heart disease. While cardiovascular disease affects people of all backgrounds,
Black and Brown communities face a disproportionate burden. According to the CDC, Black adults are nearly twice as likely as white adults to die from heart disease. Factors like high
blood pressure, diabetes, stress, lack of access to healthcare, and food insecurity all play a role.
This month’s blog takes a look at how we can protect our hearts, support our communities, and reduce these disparities through awareness, action, and access.

Understanding the Risks Heart disease is not just a single condition it includes coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, and more. The most common cause is a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which reduces blood flow.

**Major risk factors include:**

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Physical inactivity
  • Poor diet (high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fats)
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Stress and lack of sleep

Many of these risks are preventable with lifestyle changes and regular checkups.

Prevention and Action

Here are steps you can take to reduce your risk and stay heart-healthy:

  •  Get your blood pressure checked regularly (ideal is 120/80)
  • Know your cholesterol and blood sugar numbers
  • Quit smoking
  • Eat a balanced diet (low in salt and sugar, high in fiber and vegetables)
  • Move your body aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly
  • Manage stress and sleep at least 7 hours a night
  • Talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors and family history

Why Disparities Exist

Systemic inequities have contributed to poorer cardiovascular outcomes for communities of color. Social determinants of health like income, education, neighborhood conditions, access to nutritious food, and insurance status all shape heart health. For example, Black Americans have higher rates of hypertension, and are more likely to be diagnosed later, receive less aggressive treatment, and face barriers in accessing primary care. Cultural mistrust, medical racism, and lack of provider diversity also contribute.

A Personal Story: Lisa’s Wake-Up Call. Lisa, a 49-year-old teacher from Prince George’s County, had been feeling fatigued and short of breath for months. But between work, parenting, and caring for her aging mother, she brushed it off.
One day at school, she collapsed. The ER team diagnosed her with congestive heart failure caused by years of untreated high blood pressure. Lisa survived, but her recovery was long. Today, she’s changed her diet, walks every morning, and encourages her church group to check their blood pressure monthly. “I didn’t even know I was at risk,” she says. “Now I tell everyone: Don’t wait until your heart screams for help.”

Local Resources: Heart Health in the DMV

National Resources

Final Thoughts

Heart health is personal but it’s also community-driven. When we take care of our bodies, advocate for better access, and support each other in the journey, we create lasting change. This Heart Month, make a pledge to know your numbers, share your story, and take steps big or small toward a stronger, healthier you.

Dr. Bertrand Fote, MD, MBA, FACEP, CF2
Emergency Medicine Physician and Health Equity Advocate

Understanding the Risks Heart disease is not just a single condition it includes coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, and more. The most common cause is a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which reduces blood flow.

**Major risk factors include:**

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Physical inactivity
  • Poor diet (high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fats)
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Stress and lack of sleep

Many of these risks are preventable with lifestyle changes and regular checkups.

Prevention and Action

Here are steps you can take to reduce your risk and stay heart-healthy:

  •  Get your blood pressure checked regularly (ideal is 120/80)
  • Know your cholesterol and blood sugar numbers
  • Quit smoking
  • Eat a balanced diet (low in salt and sugar, high in fiber and vegetables)
  • Move your body aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly
  • Manage stress and sleep at least 7 hours a night
  • Talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors and family history

Why Disparities Exist

Systemic inequities have contributed to poorer cardiovascular outcomes for communities of color. Social determinants of health like income, education, neighborhood conditions, access to nutritious food, and insurance status all shape heart health. For example, Black Americans have higher rates of hypertension, and are more likely to be diagnosed later, receive less aggressive treatment, and face barriers in accessing primary care. Cultural mistrust, medical racism, and lack of provider diversity also contribute.

A Personal Story: Lisa’s Wake-Up Call. Lisa, a 49-year-old teacher from Prince George’s County, had been feeling fatigued and short of breath for months. But between work, parenting, and caring for her aging mother, she brushed it off.
One day at school, she collapsed. The ER team diagnosed her with congestive heart failure caused by years of untreated high blood pressure. Lisa survived, but her recovery was long. Today, she’s changed her diet, walks every morning, and encourages her church group to check their blood pressure monthly. “I didn’t even know I was at risk,” she says. “Now I tell everyone: Don’t wait until your heart screams for help.”

Local Resources: Heart Health in the DMV

National Resources

Final Thoughts

Heart health is personal but it’s also community-driven. When we take care of our bodies, advocate for better access, and support each other in the journey, we create lasting change. This Heart Month, make a pledge to know your numbers, share your story, and take steps big or small toward a stronger, healthier you.

Dr. Bertrand Fote, MD, MBA, FACEP, CF2
Emergency Medicine Physician and Health Equity Advocate

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