Heart Health for Everyone
Why American Heart Month and Black History Month Matter
February gives us two important moments to reflect: American Heart Month and Black History Month. Together, they invite a bigger conversation—one that celebrates progress, honors leaders who have advanced health and equity, and reminds all of us that heart health is for everyone.
At Rochester Clinical Research, we’ve shared cardiovascular health education before because it matters year-round. This month, we’re connecting two truths:
- Heart disease affects every community and every family.
- Some communities carry a heavier burden—especially women and Black communities—because of a mix of medical, social, and access-related factors.
The goal of this blog is simple: practical heart-health guidance that’s welcoming to every reader, while also being honest about where risk is higher and why that matters.
Why we’re talking about women and heart health
Heart disease is still the leading cause of death for women in the United States. The CDC reports that in 2023, heart disease was responsible for 304,970 deaths among women—about 1 in every 5 female deaths.
Awareness has improved over the years, but gaps remain—many women still don’t realize heart disease is their #1 health threat.
What this means for you (no matter your gender):
- Learn the basics (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar).
- Know your family history.
Don’t ignore symptoms—especially if they feel “off” or unusual.
Why we’re talking about Black heart health in Black History Month
Black History Month is a time to honor culture, strength, and contributions—including contributions to science and medicine. It’s also a time to acknowledge ongoing health challenges that disproportionately affect Black communities.
The American Heart Association has highlighted how cardiovascular health risks continue to grow within Black communities. For example, AHA reporting notes:
- High blood pressure is extremely common: 58.4% of Black women and 57.5% of Black men have high blood pressure (hypertension).
- Black adults account for over 50% of heart failure hospitalizations among U.S. adults under 50.
AHA also reports that 59% of Black women ages 20+ are living with some form of cardiovascular disease—an especially important reminder during a month focused on both heart health and Black history.
These numbers don’t reflect “biology alone.” They’re connected to many real-world factors, including:
- Access to preventive care and follow-up
- Chronic stress and its effects on the body
- Social determinants of health (like neighborhood resources, food access, and safe places to move)
- Differences in diagnosis, treatment, and trust based on lived experience
Recognizing these factors helps move the conversation from blame to solutions.
The #1 heart-health move most people can make: know your blood pressure
If you do one thing this month, do this: check your blood pressure.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms, yet it’s one of the strongest drivers of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure risk. And it’s common across the U.S.—but especially high in Black adults, as noted above.
Quick action steps:
- Get your blood pressure checked at a clinic, pharmacy kiosk, or at home with a validated cuff.
- Ask what your numbers mean (not just “good” or “bad”).
- If it’s elevated, ask about a plan—lifestyle changes, monitoring, and (when appropriate) medication.
Heart-healthy habits that are realistic (and actually work)
You don’t need a perfect routine. You need repeatable habits.
1) Build a heart-smart plate
Aim for more:
- Vegetables and fruit
- Beans and lentils
- Whole grains
- Nuts, seeds, and healthy oils
And less:
- Ultra-processed foods high in sodium and added sugar
If you’re managing blood pressure, sodium awareness is especially helpful. (A lot of sodium hides in breads, sauces, deli meats, and packaged meals.)
2) Move in ways you’ll keep doing
Walking counts. Dancing counts. Yardwork counts. Strength training counts. The best exercise is the one you’ll do consistently.
Start small: 10 minutes after a meal is a great win.
3) Sleep and stress matter—because your heart listens
Chronic stress can raise blood pressure and affect behaviors like eating and sleep. Creating even one stress buffer can help:
- A short daily walk
- A few minutes of breathing
- A phone call with someone supportive
- A consistent bedtime routine
4) Know your personal risk
Ask your healthcare provider about:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Blood sugar (especially if diabetes runs in your family)
- Weight trends and waist circumference
- Family history of early heart disease
The CDC notes that heart disease can affect women at any age, and millions of women are living with heart disease today—so prevention is always worth it.
Where clinical research fits in—and why representation matters
Clinical research helps improve prevention and treatment options over time. But for research findings to apply broadly, studies need participants who reflect the real world—across ages, genders, races, and backgrounds.
That’s especially important when certain groups experience:
- Higher rates of risk factors (like hypertension)
- Higher burden of disease (including heart failure impacts at younger ages)
Participation in research is always a personal choice, and it should never feel pressured. But it can be one way people help shape better care for future patients—while receiving study-related evaluations and close monitoring when enrolled in eligible studies.
If you’re curious, a good first step is simply learning what’s involved, what protections are in place, and what questions to ask before you decide.
A heart-health message that honors both months
American Heart Month reminds us: prevention is powerful. Black History Month reminds us: progress happens when people persist, lead, and advocate—including in health and science.
So, here’s the takeaway we hope every reader carries forward:
- Your heart health matters.
- Your history matters.
- And your next small step—today—can matter more than you think.
Interested in learning more?
Heart health research plays an important role in improving prevention and care for future patients. At Rochester Clinical Research, with locations in Rochester and Buffalo, our team supports studies focused on cardiovascular health and other conditions affecting adults in our community.
If you’re curious about:
- Learning more about heart-related research
- Seeing whether a heart study may be a fit for you
- Exploring other research opportunities available at our site
we invite you to connect with our team or browse current studies to learn more. There’s no obligation—just information to help you decide what’s right for you.
Explore Current Cardiovascular Studies
Contact Our Research Team
Resources
American Heart Association Newsroom (Feb 7, 2025): “Cardiovascular health risks continue to grow within Black communities; action needed”
https://newsroom.heart.org/news/cardiovascular-health-risks-continue-to-grow-within-black-communities-action-needed
CDC: “About Women and Heart Disease” (May 15, 2024)
https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/women-and-heart-disease.html
AHA Go Red for Women: “The Facts about Women and Heart Disease”
https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women/facts
AHA Go Red for Women (Feb 13, 2025): “Heart Disease and Stroke in Black Women”
https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women/facts/heart-disease-in-black-women
AHA Journals (Circulation) (Jan 27, 2025): “2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics…” (DOI page)
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001303
AHA PDF: “2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update Fact Sheet (At-a-Glance)”
https://www.heart.org/en/-/media/PHD-Files-2/Science-News/2/2025-Heart-and-Stroke-Stat-Update/2025-Statistics-At-A-Glance.pdf
AHA PDF: “2025 Stats Update Fact Sheet — Black (Race) and CVD”
https://professional.heart.org/-/media/phd-files-2/science-news/2/2025-heart-and-stroke-stat-update/factsheets/2025-stats-update-fact-sheet-black-race-and-cvd.pdf
AHA PDF: “2025 Stats Update Fact Sheet — Women and CVD”
https://professional.heart.org/-/media/phd-files-2/science-news/2/2025-heart-and-stroke-stat-update/factsheets/2025-stats-update-fact-sheet-women-and-cvd.pdf
HHS Office of Minority Health: “Heart Disease and Black/African Americans”
https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/heart-disease-and-blackafrican-americans
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