What to Know About Heart Disease

Because our communities are more likely to have high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, our risk of developing heart diseases is increased. Being proactive about your heart health can help.

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What Is Heart Disease?

Your heart is the engine that keeps your body running. Heart disease happens when that engine starts to break down—whether due to clogged arteries, high blood pressure, or other underlying issues.

Heart disease is an umbrella term that includes conditions like: coronary artery disease (the most common), heart failure, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), and heart valve issues.

These conditions can lead to serious events like heart attacks and strokes.

Symptoms of
Heart Disease

Heart disease doesn’t always come with warning signs. But common symptoms may include:

CHEST DISCOMFORT

Pressure, squeezing, or pain in the chest
Feeling like something heavy is sitting on your chest

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

Difficulty breathing during activity or while resting

BUILDUP OF EXTRA FLUID IN BODY TISSUES

Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, fingers, stomach and other tissues and organs

CHEST DISCOMFORT

Pressure, squeezing, or pain in the chest
Feeling like something heavy is sitting on your chest

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

Difficulty breathing during activity or while resting

BUILDUP OF EXTRA FLUID IN BODY TISSUES

Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, fingers, stomach and other tissues and organs

Want more information about this condition?

Because heart symptoms can vary, especially in women, it’s important to listen to your body and talk to a doctor if something feels off.

Managing Flareups of Asthma

Living with asthma? Our community member, Eriel, knows a thing or two about managing flare-ups or asthma attacks.

Risk Factors
for Heart Disease

Here are a few factors that might put you at risk for heart disease:

Things you can’t change

Family History: If heart disease runs in your family, your risk is higher.
Age: Risk increases with age, especially after 55.
Sex: Men are more likely to have heart attacks earlier, but heart disease is also the leading cause of death for women.
Race & Ethnicity: Black Americans are nearly twice as likely as white Americans to experience their first stroke or heart attack and more likely to die from it.

Things that might increase your risk:

High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a major contributor to heart disease.
High Cholesterol: Can clog arteries and lead to heart attacks.
Diabetes: High blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves that control the heart.
Obesity: Increases the risk of hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol problems.
Lack of Exercise: Physical inactivity raises your risk of heart disease.
Unhealthy Diet: High in sodium, fat, and sugar can contribute to poor heart health.

Preventing Heart Disease

Here are a few ways to prevent heart disease:

Keep Your Blood Pressure in Check

High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is a major cause of heart disease. Get it checked regularly.

Learn How to Prevent Heart Failure

Preventing heart failure (and all heart conditions) means making smart choices now that will pay off the rest of your life.

Get Tested For Lipoprotein(a)

Lipoprotein(a), also known as Lp(a), is a type of cholesterol that is more prevalent in Black communities. Having elevated levels of Lp(a) increases your risk of heart disease.

Treating and Managing Myasthenia Gravis (MG)

Here are a few ways to prevent MG:

1. Medications

Cholinesterase inhibitors (like pyridostigmine) help muscles work better.
Immunosuppressants calm down the overactive immune system.

2. Therapies

Plasmapheresis (blood filtering) or IVIG therapy can remove harmful antibodies from the blood during severe flare-ups.

3. Lifestyle Support

Balance activity with rest and use tools and strategies to make daily activities easier.
Emotional and mental health support is important too—chronic conditions can be isolating without the right community.

1. Medications

Cholinesterase inhibitors (like pyridostigmine) help muscles work better.
Immunosuppressants calm down the overactive immune system.

2. Therapies

Plasmapheresis (blood filtering) or IVIG therapy can remove harmful antibodies from the blood during severe flare-ups.

3. Lifestyle Support

Resources for Heart Disease

Living with heart disease or just looking for tips on how to be proactive about your heart health? Explore the resources below.

Hear From Community Members

Check out our heart healthy playlist on YouTube.

Understanding Heart Failure

Learn about the warning signs of heart failure, including signs, symptoms, and more.

Know Your Risk

Take this quick heart health quiz and learn what steps to take next.