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 in collaboration with USA TODAY, a distinguished panel of cardiologists, health equity leaders, and patient advocates tackled these urgent issues, offering real solutions to protect Black families and create healthier generations.
Meet the Panelists
- Moderator: Jade Curtis – Executive Editor, BlackDoctor.org
- Dr. Jennifer Ellis – Cardiac Surgeon, Association of Black Cardiologists
- Gerald Johnson II – EVP, Health Equity & Chief Diversity Officer, American Heart Association
- Dr. Anthony Lozama – Medical Director, CV Renal and Metabolism, Novartis
- Celina Gorre – CEO, WomenHeart
Together, on the “Hidden Myths and Cultural Values in CV” panel, they debunked myths, challenged cultural norms, and provided actionable steps to prevent cardiovascular disease in Black communities.
Key Takeaways from the Panel
“What Does It Really Mean to Be a Man?”
Gerald Johnson II of the American Heart Association made it personal:
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“I needed to know my numbers, and a third of the men in my group needed to see a doctor sooner than they thought.”
“If you say you love her, what are you doing to prove it? There’s nothing more valuable than asking, ‘How are your numbers? What do we need to change to be a healthier family?’”
“You Can’t Protect Your Family If You’re Not Here”
Dr. Anthony Lozama challenged men to prioritize their health:
“We want to provide, we want to protect—but you can’t do that if you’re not healthy.”
“It doesn’t matter if you have a giant Air Jordan collection or drive a Bentley—if you’re not alive to enjoy them.”
“We have men in the gym, bench pressing 5000 pounds. But ask them their cholesterol level? Clueless. We have to normalize these conversations.”
“Heart Disease Doesn’t Come Out of Nowhere”
Celina Gorre of WomenHeart dispelled the “sudden heart attack” myth:
“Someone close to me recently passed from a heart attack, and we kept saying how unexpected it was. But heart disease doesn’t just happen overnight—it’s been developing for decades.”
“We need to recognize the signs early and stop acting like these deaths come ‘out of the blue.’”
Trust & Advocacy: Rebuilding the Doctor-Patient Relationship
1. “If You Don’t Feel Heard, Speak Up”
“Trust starts with listening. If a patient doesn’t feel heard, they won’t trust the doctor,” Dr. Lozama said. “But patients also have a role. Don’t walk in assuming the system is against you. If you feel dismissed, say something. Seek a second or third opinion.”
2. “Bring Someone With You to the Doctor”
“If you’re diagnosed with cancer, no matter how educated you are, your understanding drops to a sixth-grade level,” Dr. Jennifer Ellis said. “That’s why I always say: Bring someone with you to the doctor. They will catch things you miss.”
Breaking Generational Curses: How to Talk About Family Health
1. “Did You Know All Four of Your Grandparents?”
“Think about your grandparents,” Dr. Ellis added. Did you actually meet all four of them? Not just at birth, but when you were seven, eight, or nine?”
“If not, why? What did they die from? Why aren’t we talking about this as a family?”
2. “Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late”
“I grew up in a household where we didn’t talk about health. But once someone dies, suddenly, the stories come out,” Johnson said.“‘Oh yeah, Big Mama had high blood pressure.’ ‘Uncle Larry had a bad heart.’ But by then, it’s too late.”
Cultural Shifts: From “Superwoman” to Self-Care
“Stop Celebrating Our Suffering”
“Our culture celebrates the Superwoman. The woman who takes care of everyone, never complains, never rests,” Gorre shared. “But let’s be real: We’re praising women for self-sacrifice. And it’s killing us. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s the only way to be here for the long run.”
How to Break the “Doom & Gloom” Cycle
“Just Because It Happened to Uncle Larry Doesn’t Mean It’s Your Fate”
“We have to stop acting like heart disease is inevitable,” Johnson added.“You can’t control your race, age, or family history. But you can control your diet, exercise, and blood pressure. Your grandmother’s fate doesn’t have to be yours.”
Action Steps for a Healthier Future
1. Get Your Numbers Checked
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol (including Lp(a))
- A1C (diabetes risk)
2. Start the Family Conversation
- Ask parents and grandparents about their medical history.
- Share your own test results to start conversations.
- Normalize health talk at family gatherings.
3. Challenge the “Superwoman” Mentality
- Women, put yourself first.
- Men, support the women in your life.
4. Advocate for Yourself at the Doctor’s Office
- If you don’t feel heard, say so.
- Bring someone with you to appointments.
- Get a second opinion if necessary.
5. Demand Better Healthcare Access
- Advocate for hospitals & specialists in underserved areas.
- Push for equity in clinical trials & medical research.
Final Words from the Panelists
- Dr. Jennifer Ellis: “Know your numbers. Know your grandparents. If you won’t do it for yourself, do it for your kids.”
- Celina Gorre: “Heart disease is preventable. We can change our future by changing our behavior.”
- Gerald Johnson II: “Model the behavior. Show your family what health looks like.”
- Dr. Anthony Lozama: “You don’t have to do this alone. There are resources and communities ready to support you.”
Your heart matters. Let’s protect it—together.
