Dr. Tochi Okwuosa is a heart health champion at Rush University Medical Center, where she specializes in cardiomycology, managing heart disease in cancer patients. Passionate about her work as a clinician, researcher, and professor, Dr. Okwuosa is dedicated to fighting heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S., with a special focus on underserved minority communities. She knows high blood pressure is a big threat, especially for Black people, and believes in the power of education and proactive care. Treating every patient like family, Dr. Okwuosa inspires future doctors to be compassionate and informed, all while working tirelessly to improve heart health and reduce healthcare disparities.
A Cardiologist Explains: Why Heart Disease Hits Black Communities Harder
by Jasmine Smith
The Latest In Heart Health

3 Meals that Unclog Your Arteries
Black Americans experience a higher burden of heart disease, including clogged arteries (atherosclerosis), due to factors like higher rates of diabetes, obesity, and smoking, and often have less access to quality healthcare. With clogged arteries, there is reduced blood flow read more about 3 Meals that Unclog Your Arteries

A Cardiologist Explains: Strategies for Total Heart Health
Struggling to stay active due to a hectic schedule, unsafe neighborhoods, or lack of resources? Dr. Tochi Okwuosa breaks down the biggest barriers to exercise and heart health—and offers real, practical solutions to overcome them. From easy-to-access YouTube workouts to read more about A Cardiologist Explains: Strategies for Total Heart Health

Breaking Generational Cycles: How Black Communities Can Take Charge of Their Heart Health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for Black Americans, yet myths, cultural habits, and generational patterns prevent many from getting early diagnosis and treatment. At BlackDoctor.org’s second annual “State of Black Health: What Now” Black Health Summit, hosted read more about Breaking Generational Cycles: How Black Communities Can Take Charge of Their Heart Health

Heart Health Clinical Trials: A Black Doctor’s Perspective
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death among Black Americans. Clinical trials are crucial in developing effective treatments and prevention strategies as we strive to address this health disparity. However, the underrepresentation of Black Americans in these read more about Heart Health Clinical Trials: A Black Doctor’s Perspective

A Cardiologist Explains: The Silent Killers: Hypertension and Heart Disease in Black Folks
In this eye-opening discussion, Dr. Tochi Okwuosa breaks down the critical, life-threatening differences between sudden cardiac arrest and heart attacks—two terms often confused but with drastically different outcomes. Learn how sudden cardiac arrest, triggered by dangerous heart rhythm disturbances, causes read more about A Cardiologist Explains: The Silent Killers: Hypertension and Heart Disease in Black Folks

A Cardiologist Explains: Understanding Your Heart Health Metrics
Dr. Tochi Okwuosa breaks down the essential numbers and lifestyle choices that impact heart health. She highlights key risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and lifestyle habits, stressing the importance of tracking these metrics read more about A Cardiologist Explains: Understanding Your Heart Health Metrics