New statistics from the medical team at EHproject show African American women are at a greater risk for cardiovascular disease than their white counterparts. The latest report found 47.3% of Black women have heart disease and are 2.4 times more likely to develop heart disease over their lifetime.

The report also found Black women to have the highest rate of hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure and stroke than women of any other ethnic group in the United States. According to the data, the average age for a Black woman to experience a heart attack is 72 compared to age 74 for white women. 

The most common symptoms of heart disease in women, which can vary from men’s symptoms, include pain or aching in the chest, known as angina; jaw, throat or neck pain; discomfort in your lower back or stomach; excessive tiredness; and nausea or vomiting. Recommended ways to promote heart health include reducing high blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, being physically active, and managing stress. 

For American Heart Month, Henry Ford Health Cardiologist Dr. Brittany Fuller joins host Stephen Henderson to talk about the alarming data released by EHproject this year and the reasons for higher incidences of heart disease among African American women. Dr. Fuller also provides some helpful advice on what women can do to reduce their risk factors.

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Watch American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.