Heart disease is emerging as a silent epidemic in New York City’s Black communities, with African Americans facing disproportionately high mortality rates. A leading cause of death nationwide, heart disease claims the lives of Black residents at a significantly higher rate than their white counterparts. Experts and those directly impacted by the condition emphasize the importance of education, lifestyle changes, and systemic reform to address this public health crisis.
Dr. Rachel-Maria Brown Talaska, a cardiologist and clinical associate professor at NYU Langone Health, points to several risk factors contributing to the higher prevalence of heart disease in the Black community. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, and chronic stress. Dr. Brown Talaska stresses that while genetic predisposition plays a role, 80% of cardiovascular diseases are preventable through lifestyle changes and early intervention.
“The key to prevention is early detection, and regular check-ups are vital,” Dr. Brown Talaska explains. “Routine screenings like cholesterol profiles, hemoglobin A1c, and blood pressure checks are essential in identifying risks early on. Depending on family history, additional tests like echocardiograms may be recommended.”
The Personal Toll of Heart Disease
Gabriel Yomi Dabiri, 47, an attorney and managing partner at Polsinelli law firm, knows the devastating impact heart disease can have. In 2012, Dabiri lost his mother to a heart attack caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition that went undiagnosed until it was too late. Dabiri now takes his health seriously, committing to an annual physical and echocardiogram. He emphasizes the importance of prevention, living a healthy lifestyle, and staying informed about his family’s health history.
“My mother’s passing was a wake-up call. I now focus on my health and maintain a balanced lifestyle with regular exercise and a healthy diet,” Dabiri shares.
Jazmin George, 28, from the Bronx, offers another powerful testament to the importance of early intervention. At 18, she suffered a heart attack just days before final exams. Her biological father had died of a heart attack in his early 30s, making George’s experience all the more poignant. Despite her history of athleticism and healthy habits, the heart attack came as a shock.
“I was in the best shape of my life, but I had no idea of the underlying risk factors. My experience showed me how critical it is to prioritize your health,” George says. “Heart disease doesn’t just affect older adults—it impacts young people too.”
George has since become an advocate for heart health, encouraging others to take their well-being seriously. She highlights the added stress Black people face in navigating a society that often marginalizes them, which compounds the physical and mental health challenges they face.
“Black people endure daily stress, and the trauma from historical and ongoing discrimination affects our health. Managing stress is tough when survival itself is a struggle,” George reflects.
A Nurse’s Battle
Nicole Winn, 53, a registered nurse from Englewood, NJ, shares her own heart health journey, which has involved multiple life-saving surgeries. Winn was born with congenital heart disease and underwent four extensive heart surgeries between 1996 and 2024. These surgeries included repairs to her aortic aneurysm, valve replacements, and the installation of a pacemaker.
Winn’s experience underscores the importance of early diagnosis, as aneurysms are often undetected until they rupture—something that nearly cost her life. She is grateful to be alive but continues to live with the long-term effects of her condition, which has inspired her to live fully and serve as a source of support to others facing health challenges.
“I live in the moment and don’t let stress control my life. My surgeries have been a part of my journey, and I now use my experiences to help others in their own healing,” she says. “Being a survivor has allowed me to be more empathetic and understanding as a nurse.”
The Path Forward
The personal stories of Dabiri, George, and Winn highlight the urgent need for action to combat heart disease in New York City’s Black communities. Healthcare professionals and advocates stress the importance of raising awareness, improving access to care, and promoting healthier lifestyles to reduce the disparity in heart disease rates.
According to Dr. Brown Talaska, the higher rates of heart disease in Black Americans are largely attributed to the high prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity in the community. She further points to systemic challenges, including access to healthcare and socioeconomic factors, as contributing to the crisis.
“New York State ranks 22nd in the nation for cardiovascular disease-related deaths, with the highest rates occurring in neighborhoods with high poverty rates,” Dr. Brown Talaska says. “The Bronx, in particular, stands out for its high prevalence of hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke.”
Addressing heart disease in New York City’s Black communities requires a multifaceted approach, with healthcare providers, advocates, and communities working together to promote education, preventive care, and healthier living environments. Through awareness, early detection, and lifestyle changes, the goal is clear: to reduce the burden of heart disease and save lives.
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