Heart Disease And Hypertension In Black Women

Even though heart disease has long been understood to be the number 1 cause of both death and disability for men in the U.S., women have not always been aware that they are at nearly equal risk for heart disease and its complications. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), while more than 50,000 Black women die of heart disease each year, only about 36 percent of Black women understand that heart disease is their greatest health risk.

Black women had the highest rate of high blood pressure (58.4%) and obesity (57.9%), according to a January 2025 article in the AHA journal Circulation.

And that’s a problem. Black women also are at a higher risk of having hypertension, weight issues and diabetes—all major contributors to heart disease—than their non-Hispanic white counterparts. What’s more, the rate of Black women who die from heart disease is higher than that of non-Hispanic white women.

What Is Heart Disease?

Coronary heart disease is the most common form of heart disease. Often referred to simply as “heart disease,” this disorder of the blood vessels of the heart can lead to a heart attack. Coronary heart disease is a lifelong condition and will steadily worsen unless you make changes in your daily habits.

Why Do Black Women Have A Greater Risk for Heart Disease?

Different risk factors increase the chances of black women developing heart disease, including high blood pressure, or hypertension. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the rate of hypertension among Black women is about 50 percent higher than non-Hispanic white women.

"In the United States, Black or African American patients have the highest rates of high blood pressure. It is important that we address this important risk factor for heart disease," said Brittany Dixon, MD, an Illinois cardiologist at Franciscan Health Cardiology Olympia Fields.

According to the AHA, researchers have found that there may be a gene that may make African Americans more sensitive to the effects of salt, which in turn increases the risk for developing high blood pressure.

"We can help treat high blood pressure with both medications and lifestyle changes," Dr. Dixon said. "For instance, the American diet is typically high in salt, which we know affects blood pressure. Patients should monitor their diets and consider following low salt plans such as the DASH diet."

Also, the African-American population also tends to have higher rates of obesity and diabetes.

"Obesity has been a growing problem for adults in the United States in the past few decades, especially among certain ethnic groups such as African-American women," Dr. Dixon said. "We are noticing a trend between these increased obesity rates and other health conditions, including heart disease."

Nearly 80 percent of Black women are overweight or obese, increasing the risk not only of heart disease but other health conditions like strokes. Obesity also puts women at a higher risk for developing diabetes, especially as they age.

How Can I Prevent Heart Disease?

Reducing your risk of heart disease starts with controlling the risks you can control, including diet and exercise, said Dr. Dixon.

“Watching your diet and increasing your physical activity goes a long way in prevention. Something as simple as walking more steps every day can help lower your risk of heart disease," she said.

And watch your salt intake. A good first step is by avoiding highly processed and prepared foods, deli meats and hot dogs. Go for fresh ingredients whenever possible, and limit your dining out.

Other recommendations from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reduce your risk of heart disease are:

• Making sure your diet includes lots of fruits, vegetables and fiber
• Aiming for a diet low in sodium, sugar, saturated and trans fats, and cholesterol
• Staying active with 150 minutes of activity every week (walking, bike riding, etc.)
• Not smoking or using other tobacco products
• Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink

"It is never too late to start living a healthier lifestyle. The first step is knowing your numbers and talking to your doctor,” said Dr. Dixon.