Each year, more people die from heart attacks than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined, and heart attacks hit African Americans harder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It seems like it is. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death for African Americans in the United States, accounting for one in five deaths.

“There is a genetic component[to heart problems in African Americans],” Dr. David Spurlock, a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon at AdventHealth Heart, Lung, and Vascular Institute, recently told Orange TV. Ta. “African Americans are also at higher risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, and high blood pressure, but not getting enough exercise and poor diet can also lead to cardiovascular disease.”

Dr. Spurlock believes small changes can make a big difference in heart health.

“Stop smoking and change your diet,” Dr. Spurlock says. “If you’re like me, you start with protein and carbs, then add vegetables if you have room on your plate. Think the other way around and build your plate out of vegetables.”

In this interview, Dr. Spurlock explains how the screening process for heart problems works, what signs to look for when you have heart failure, and what your primary care physician can do for optimal heart health. Talk about why being is so important.

According to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Dr. Spurlock’s practice, AdventHealth Orlando, is currently leading the way in heart surgery in Florida. The hospital also earned his highest rating of 3 out of 3 stars for cardiac surgery performance, a rating only 20% of organizations achieve. Potential patients can click here to find a doctor and schedule an appointment.