Cardiovascular risk reduction in African Americans: Current concepts and controversies

Abstract

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and in the United States (US). Health, life expectancy, and medical care have improved dramatically in the US over the last century. However, the distribution of benefits arising from the decreases in heart disease and stroke has not occurred equitably. The current mortality gap between blacks and whites in the US, although decreasing, has been persistent since 1960. Black men and women are more likely to die of heart disease and stroke than white men and women. This population remains at higher risk for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obesity (especially in females), myocardial infarction, stroke morbidity and mortality, chronic kidney disease (CKD), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and cardiovascular mortality.