Ethnicity and Cardiovascular Disease Africans Americans

Heart Disease Among Africans Studies have shown Africans are at higher risk for heart disease Many factors are attributed to higher rates of cardiovascular disease

Risk Factors Higher prevalence of hypertension when compared to a white population (two-fold higher) Significantly higher risk of diabetes African women have the highest prevalence of abdominal obesity Near top for limited leisure activity

Risk Factors Now we know there is a higher risk in this ethnic group… but why? Researchers are not quite sure but say some reasons may be: –Genetic Factors –Environmental Factors –A Combination of Factors

Cardiovascular Disease Coronary Heart Disease Stroke Peripheral Vascular Disease

Coronary Heart Disease Leading cause of death among Africans Among highest in the world There has been a decline since

Average age of incidence was 69 years of age compared to whites which was 75, hispanics were 63 Incidence rates reflect cerebral infarction rates Stroke

Peripheral Vascular Disease Black ethnicity considered independent risk factor Risk cannot be explained by excess diabetes, hypertension or CVD risk factors

Screening and diagnostic tests Cholesterol screening Blood pressure screening Access other risk factors –Age –Sex –Heredity –Stress –BMI vascularScreening.pdf

Exercise Prescription Normal Prescription Emphasis on leisure time activity Cardiovascular exercise 3x/week Increase heart rate past 60% of HRR All major muscle groups worked at least twice per week

Exercise Prescription Emphasis on breathing to control blood pressure Stretch along with exercise to maintain flexibility and improve circulation