HEART DISEASE

Heart disease is the leading killer across most racial and ethnic minority communities in the United States, accounting for around one quarter of all deaths in 2001.

African Americans suffer the most from the disease. Around 40 percent of African American men and women have some form of heart disease, compared to 30 percent of White men and 24 percent of White women. African Americans are also 29 percent more likely to die from the disease than Whites.

While Hispanics die from heart disease at a lesser rate than Whites, Mexican American women are diagnosed with the condition more frequently than White females. Mexican Americans, who make up the largest share of the U.S. Hispanic population, also suffer in greater numbers from overweight and obesity than Whites, two of the leading risk factors for heart disease.

More than 25 percent of deaths in the Asian and Pacific Islander community and 20 percent of deaths in the American Indian community are caused by heart disease.

Throughout this Web site, we include statistics like these to indicate some of the reasons why Americans should be concerned with the health gap. The most important message we can present is that it does not have to be this way. Individuals and families can take many steps to improve their health and the health of their loved ones, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has many resources that can help. Some of the best resources we have or know about are listed here.

Searchable Web Sites

NIH NHLBI Launches "The Heart Truth" Website Dedicated To Women and Heart Disease
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has launched "The Heart Truth", a Web site dedicated to educating women about the dangers of heart disease – the #1 killer of American women.

New Campaign to Increase the Chances of Heart Attack Survival:

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's Minority Population Gateway
The Gateway provides quick, easy access to information and resources in four key areas: cardiovascular health, asthma, sleep and minority populations.

Selected Publications

Improving Cardiovascular Health in African Americans
A series of easy-to-read booklets designed to help consumers reduce their chances of having a heart attack or stroke. Booklets include:

• Empower Yourself! Learn Your Cholesterol Number
  
• Be Heart Smart! Eat Foods Lower in Saturated Fat and
        Cholesterol
  
• Protect Your Heart! Prevent High Blood Pressure
  
• Spice Up Your Life! Eat Less Salt and Sodium
  
• Embrace Your Health! Lose Weight If You Are Overweight
  
• Energize Yourself! Stay Physically Active
  
• Refresh Yourself! Stop Smoking

African American Women and Heart Disease
The National Women's Health Information Center's section on heart disease information for African American women provides links to guides, brochures and fact sheets about the disease.

Healthy Hearts for American Indians and Alaska Natives
A series of easy-to-read fact sheets designed to help consumers reduce their chances of having a heart attack or stroke. Fact sheets include:

• American Indian and Alaska Native: Help Your Heart
• Treat Your Heart to a Healthy Celebration
• Keep the Harmony Within You-Check Your Blood Pressure
• American Indian and Alaska Native: Be Active for Your Heart

Cardiovascular Information for Patients and the General Public
This site provides a compilation of consumer guides on cardiovascular disease and health, including brochures, fact sheets and related publications.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's (NHLBI) public education campaign, "Act In Time to Heart Attack Signs."
The campaign offers educational materials on heart attacks, survival, reduction of risks and prevention for both the public and health care professionals.

National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) 2001 National Cholesterol Education Month Kit - NHLBI
This Web-based kit contains a wealth of educational materials for consumers on cholesterol levels and risks for heart disease.

Healthy Heart Handbook for Women
Every woman should be concerned about heart disease, the leading cause of death for American women. This easy-to-use, easy-to-read, 100-page handbook explains factors that place women at risk of heart disease and recommends steps they can take to protect their heart health. It also has special information for women with heart disease, including warning signs of a heart attack and how to prepare a heart attack survival plan. Other topics covered include hormone replacement therapy, cholesterol, healthy eating, physical activity, how to talk with your doctor, vitamin supplements and, by popular request, heart-smart recipes. Hard copies of this handbook may also be ordered.