Fewer Americans dying of heart disease
in last decade, but Blacks lag behind
Pfizer/NMA
Study Finds Cardiovascular Disease
Deaths
29% Higher for Black Americans, Blacks Falling Behind Whites on
Hypertension, Other Risk Factors
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 4, 2003-- While America as a whole is moving in
the right direction with respect to heart disease, differences
between black and white Americans persist when it comes to
cardiovascular health, according to a new Pfizer Inc/National
Medical Association study covering the period 1992 to 2000.
A
greater percentage of black Americans under the age of 60 are dying
from heart disease and stroke than their white counterparts, reports
Pfizer Facts: Racial Differences in Cardiovascular Health. A look at
newly released data shows that age-adjusted death rates from
cardiovascular disease remain 29% higher for blacks than whites, and
age-adjusted stroke deaths remain 40% higher in black Americans,
compared to whites, despite an overall decrease in heart disease and
stroke deaths.
"While there has been overall progress in treating and preventing
heart and other vascular diseases, much improvement is needed to
bring cardiovascular health among black Americans to the same level
that we see in whites," said Dr. Robin Hertz, Senior Director of
Population Studies at Pfizer Inc. "The key lies in treating risk
factors for cardiovascular disease earlier."
Hypertension, a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is on
the rise for both groups, with the greatest increases in
hypertension seen in middle- aged blacks. The greatest hypertension
gap between black and whites is also seen in this group, where 50%
of blacks and 30% of whites have hypertension.
"At a time when we are making progress on cardiovascular disease and
certain risk factors for heart disease, there has been no progress
for blacks in lowering their blood pressure to the recommended
levels," Hertz said.
A
major difference between the two groups lies in lowering blood
pressure to recommended treatment goals. Over the past decade,
treatment has been increasingly effective among whites, but there
has been no change in effectiveness of treatment among blacks. The
gap is becoming greater in this area.
Appropriateness of the medical treatment provided to blacks for some
conditions, lack of access to medical care and even patients' own
adherence -- or lack of adherence -- to the treatments may all
contribute to the cardiovascular health disparities seen in the
study, Hertz said.
"This study shows that simply prescribing treatments and telling a
patient what to do is not enough," said Dr. Elijah Saunders,
chairman of the Cardiology Section of the National Medical
Association, the study's co-sponsor and a cardiology professor at
the University of Maryland School of Medicine. "Health care
providers have a responsibility to follow up with their patients and
encourage them to adhere to treatments."
Racial Differences in Cardiovascular Health is part of a larger
project that looks at health data for specific groups -- in this
case black and white Americans -- to provide a platform for
identifying more effective treatments for prevalent diseases.
The study also found that:
* Americans are more obese than ever. The problem is most alarming
among black women, who have an obesity rate of 49%, up from 36% in
the earlier part of the decade.
* Black women and older blacks are particularly prone to diabetes.
35% of blacks 60 years and older and 16% of whites in this age group
have diabetes. Black women are twice as likely to have diabetes
than white women -- 14% vs. 7%.
The study authors pointed out that the community also has an
important role to play in encouraging healthy behavior and action.
For example, local groups and institutions can support public
awareness campaigns to encourage individuals to see a doctor
regularly, increase exercise and be mindful of diet.
"The bottom line is we are making progress on cardiovascular
disease, but important challenges remain, particularly for black
Americans," said Saunders.
Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures and markets leading
prescription medicines for humans and animals, and many of the
world's best- known consumer products.
The National Medical Association is a national professional and
scientific organization of physicians that promotes the collective
interests of physicians and patients of African decent.
Sidebar: Take an Active Role in Fighting Heart Disease
Heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S., accounting for
28% and 30% of all deaths for black and white Americans,
respectively. These four steps will help start you down a healthier
path.
- Be aware of key risk factors for heart disease. High blood
pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and obesity are all
risk factors for heart disease. Do any of these health concerns
affect you?
- Talk with your doctor about heart disease. Write down any questions
you have, along with any medications you are taking. Be prepared to
talk with your doctor about your diet and general lifestyle.
- Get your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked. Ask your
doctor to conduct regular screenings. Together, discuss the
results, as well as your family history.
- Ask your doctor about special diets and medication. Understanding
the diet or specific medication will help you stay on the prescribed
schedule. If you are experiencing side effects from medications or
having problems following a diet, talk with your doctor. There may
be an alternative medication that is more suitable for you, or
additional help available to help you manage your new diet.
Just because you are feeling well does not mean you can afford to
disregard risk factors for heart disease. It's important to talk
with a doctor you trust and to stick to special diets and
medications. When you talk with your doctor, be honest. Together,
you can review and modify your treatment if needed.
Now,
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