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Dr. Kara Robinson, GoodRx Medical Editor
It’s important to know that there are simple actions you can incorporate into your daily life to protect your heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing approximately 1 in 5 people each year. Unfortunately, the Black community faces a disproportionate impact from heart disease, and they are 30% more likely to die from heart disease than other racial groups.
This is a frightening reality that we are facing. Risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, and an unhealthy diet can contribute to heart disease, but the roots of the problem run deeper.
Limited access to health care, racism, and environmental conditions in Black communities negatively impact health. For example, black communities often don’t have access to cardiologists.
According to GoodRx Research, more than 16.8 million Black Americans live in counties considered heart disease deserts. That means a commute of more than 130 miles to get to the nearest heart clinic, and an additional 2.5 million Black Americans live in counties without a cardiologist. all. ?
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Fortunately, companies like GoodRx are already making a significant impact on health outcomes for Black communities and beyond. ?
A recent study found that by helping users purchase prescription drugs, GoodRx directly helped prevent at least 140,000 emergency department visits and 110,000 hospitalizations due to major cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. It became clear.
You also have the ability to influence. By knowing how to prevent heart disease and taking steps in advance, you can protect your heart health and minimize your risk.
defend yourself
The first step to managing your heart health is recognizing that you are your own best advocate. Unfortunately, due to racism and unconscious bias, the Black community does not always receive the same quality of care as white patients. As a result, our concerns and requests are quickly resolved in the examination room. In some cases, you may not even realize it’s happening.
As a doctor, I’m here to tell you that it’s okay and understandable to ask questions during your visit and to speak up if you feel like you’re not getting the care you need. You can also switch providers if you don’t feel respected.
And pro tip: To determine your genetic risk for developing heart disease, discuss your medical history with your family and have this information readily available when discussing your health with your doctor. If a parent or sibling has heart disease, your risk increases by 40% to 75%. ?
Do you exercise and maintain a healthy diet?
Although there are risks of heart disease that are out of our control, maintaining a balanced diet and exercising regularly play an important role in overall heart health. I understand that resources for accessing healthy foods and regular exercise are not always readily available. However, there are some simple habits you can incorporate into your daily life to support a healthy heart.
For example, consider buying frozen foods over fresh foods, as they have the same nutritional value and can be stored longer. When purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables, try to buy them when they are in season, as they tend to be more affordable.
We also understand that some soul foods and comfort foods are deeply rooted in the traditions of Black communities. Some of these dishes may contain traditionally unhealthy ingredients, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on them.
Thankfully, healthier alternatives are available. Instead of relying on salt, try other flavorful seasonings with lower sodium content, and instead of using butter or lard, consider using alternatives like peanut oil or canola oil. Additionally, when preparing food, try cooking methods such as grilling or broiling to limit trans fats in oils, which can be very detrimental to heart health.
When it comes to staying active, the American Heart Association suggests that adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. This can be achieved by incorporating low-impact activities into your daily routine, such as walking, jogging, and strength training. • If you don’t have weights available, everyday items such as plastic bottles, cans, and books can be used.
monitor heart health
In addition to annual checkups with your doctor, there are ways to stay on top of your heart health by monitoring your heart from the comfort of your own home.
One option is to use a heart rate monitor. A heart rate monitor allows you to track your heart rate at rest and during activity, making it easier to detect irregular heart rhythms. There are some well-known smart wearable devices that can track your heart rate, but they are expensive and may not be covered by insurance.
However, more affordable alternatives are available, and home heart monitoring devices are usually covered by insurance if they are considered medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor.
You can also monitor your blood pressure more regularly by using a blood pressure monitor at home. More than half of black adults have high blood pressure, three times the rate of white adults.
The scary thing about blood pressure is that it is also called the “silent killer” because there are few symptoms, so it is important to measure your blood pressure at home. Automated home blood pressure monitors can be purchased online, and your insurance may cover the cost if you have a prescription from your health care provider.
There are also several free heart health apps that can help you monitor your diet, weight, cholesterol levels, and medication intake to ensure your heart is in good health.
Access cost-effective medicines and expert advice
To reduce the financial burden associated with cardiovascular medications and learn more about heart disease, visit a GoodRx Heart Center. Discounts on prescriptions like Soaanz, Repatha, Lodoco, Entresto, Jardiance, Toprol XL, XARELTO and more, plus free resources written by trusted medical experts to help you navigate risk factors, associated symptoms, and treatment options. can be found.
Let’s work together to advance heart disease prevention and control by remembering to make heart health a priority not only during American Heart Month but all year round.
Dr. Carla Robinson is the Medical Editor of GoodRx, a Fellow of the American College of Family Physicians, and a regular contributor to local and nationally televised news programs, online and national publications, and various blogs and news outlets. I am a health contributor.
She is a board-certified family physician with nearly 20 years of experience in health through a variety of clinical, administrative, and educational roles. She has worked in primary care through traditional practitioners, concierge medicine, and community health as a medical director for a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
She continues her clinical service through telemedicine and provides access to reproductive health services. She is also dedicated to training the next generation of health care providers, teaching laboratory medicine and medical wellness classes to medical associate students.
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