Understanding Heart Risks for Black and Latina Women

For women in the U.S., heart disease remains the leading cause of death. While it affects women of all backgrounds, data indicates that Black and Hispanic/Latina women face disproportionately higher risks for heart disease. Understanding these disparities is critical for early detection and effective treatment, experts say.

Heather Johnson, M.D., a cardiologist with Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care and Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute, and Yelenis M. Seijo De Armas, M.D., a cardiologist at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, part of Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care, offer insights into the specific challenges these communities face.

The Reality of Cardiovascular Disease Risks

Statistics reveal a significant gap in heart health outcomes among different demographics. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death for Black women and serves as the second leading cause of death for Hispanic women, just behind cancer.

Benchmarks from the AHA and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2017–2020) highlight the percentage of adult women over age 20 with CVD:

• Non-Hispanic Black women: 59.0 percent
• Non-Hispanic White women: 44.6 percent
• Hispanic/Latina women: 37.3 percent

Dr. Johnson points out that “CVD” serves as a broad umbrella term that includes hypertension, or high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke. Consequently, she says, groups with higher prevalence of hypertension, such as non-Hispanic Black women, appear higher on this measure.

Drivers of Disparity for Black Women

The higher prevalence of CVD for Black women is strongly tied to a heavier burden of specific risk factors, according to data from the AHA.

“The data clearly shows that Black women carry the highest overall burden of cardiovascular disease,” says Dr. Johnson, adding that hypertension is a dominant driver.

Black women have the highest rates of high blood pressure, at 58.4 percent.

“We often see an earlier onset of hypertension in Black women, along with higher rates of diabetes and obesity,” Dr. Johnson notes. “These complications can span the entire life course, including pregnancy-related cardiovascular risks.”

Structural factors also play a role. Issues such as chronic stress and access to care contribute to the disparity. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) explicitly states that these factors intensify the risk profile for Black women.

Specific Risks for Hispanic/Latina Women

Hispanic/Latina women have the lowest rate of hypertension (35.3 percent).

While the overall CVD prevalence number for Hispanic/Latina women appears lower than that of both Black women and White women in broad definitions, this group faces unique and significant risks.

“The category of ‘Hispanic/Latino’ is not a single group,” says Dr. Seijo. “Risk varies significantly by heritage and social determinants.”

According to Dr. Seijo, key factors elevating risk for Hispanic/Latina women include:

• Metabolic Conditions: A substantial burden of diabetes, prediabetes and obesity exists within the community.
• Barriers to Prevention: Challenges regarding insurance coverage, language barriers and continuity of care often result in “missed prevention.”
• Social Determinants: Work conditions, neighborhood safety and food environments impact heart health.

Care gaps remain a critical issue, too, Dr. Seijo notes. Commonly cited problems include later diagnosis and undertreatment. For some Hispanic/Latina patients, communication barriers and immigration-related stressors further complicate access to cardiac rehabilitation and primary care.

The AHA states that such disparities call for targeted interventions to ensure high-risk populations receive the care and support they need. “Access to quality, affordable healthcare is a critical factor in addressing these inequalities,” it says.

Recognizing “Non-Classic” Symptoms

One of the most dangerous aspects of heart disease in women is the presentation of symptoms. Women are more likely than men to experience symptoms that do not fit the “classic” Hollywood depiction of a heart attack, such as clutching the chest.

“Women certainly can have chest pressure or tightness, but they are also more likely to report symptoms that are easily dismissed,” says Dr. Seijo.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and AHA, these symptoms can include:

• Shortness of breath
• Nausea, vomiting or indigestion-like discomfort
• Pain or pressure in the jaw, neck, back, shoulder or arms
• Unusual fatigue, lightheadedness or cold sweat

“If these symptoms are new, severe or accompany chest pressure, you must treat it as an emergency and call 911,” Dr. Seijo adds. “Delays in seeking care can prevent rapid evaluation and necessary therapy.”

Addressing Your Personal Risk Factors

Both Dr. Johnson and Dr. Seijo agree that knowledge is the first step toward prevention. Women should prioritize regular check-ups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels.

Addressing risk factors early — such as managing weight, increasing physical activity and controlling diabetes — can significantly reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease, they stress.

One way to understand your personal risk of developing heart disease is to get a heart scan. In just 30 minutes, a non-invasive CT scan can uncover risks you didn’t even know existed. Talk to your doctor and see if a heart scan is right for you. Visit BaptistHealth.net/HeartScan or call 833-596-2473 to find out more.