Heart failure is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it is commonly associated with older adults, it is important to recognize that heart failure can also occur in younger individuals, including young Black women. By increasing awareness and promoting early detection, we can take proactive steps to manage and prevent heart failure.
Understanding Heart Failure
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently is compromised. It can occur due to various factors, including weakened heart muscles, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart attack, and other cardiovascular diseases.
In young Black women, several factors contribute to an increased risk of heart failure, including genetics, nutrition, and poor lifestyle habits. According to the American Heart Association, 59 percent of Black women ages 20 and older have cardiovascular disease.
Listening to Your Body and Education
Chest pain? Heart palpitations? Chest pressure? You can’t keep pushing it aside and throwing “I’m just stressed” on top of it. It’s better to see a healthcare provider to be sure than to risk a potentially life-threatening occurrence. It's vital to understand and educate yourself about the heart's signs of trouble.
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Thirty-nine percent of Black women are aware that chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack. However, only 33 percent recognize that pain spreading to the shoulder, neck, or arms are also symptoms of a potential heart attack. Shortness of breath, sudden dizziness, fatigue, and nausea could also be symptoms of a heart attack.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of heart failure is essential for early intervention and appropriate treatment. While symptoms may vary among individuals, the following signs should raise concern:
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or while lying flat.
- Persistent coughing or wheezing, often accompanied by white or pink mucus.
- Fatigue and weakness, even with minimal exertion.
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- Dizziness or fainting spells.
- Sudden weight gain or loss
Look at the Family Tree
Have a discussion with both sides of your family about any history of cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and heart failure. It’s easier to initially inquire with your immediate family.
As you gather information on your immediate, check the lower leaves of the family tree, the great-grandparents, and distant cousins. Take note of when family members developed heart diseases, heart failures, and heart attacks.
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The clearer the family history, the better your physician can help map out the risk of heart failure and cardiovascular diseases. If you discover you have a familial history of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, don’t be discouraged. You can’t control your genetics but you can watch what you eat, change your habits and practice stress management!
Smoking and Alcohol Intake
A 2018 study has linked cigarette smoking to cardiac dysfunction, including heart failure. For your health, life span, and loved ones, consider quitting cigarettes- especially if heart failure and heart attacks run in your family.
Look out for drinking habits. A few celebratory drinks here and there are fine. Research has shown that drinking a moderate amount of red wine has benefits for heart health, such as lowering the risk of heart failure. Heavy alcohol is far from beneficial when it comes to your heart health. Heavy alcohol consumption can cause cardiomyopathy, liver damage, etc. Take heed to how much alcohol you are consuming and be sure to moderate/curb when necessary.
Stress Management
Life is a beautiful mess of highs and lows. There is no way to avoid all the stresses in the world. However, there are ways to manage your stress so you aren't facing heavy amounts of worry on all fronts.
It's important you partake in healthy stress management for your heart health. With high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases possibly at our heels, it’s important to manage stress.
Activities such as exercising, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and talking to a therapist are great ways to relieve stress. Doing so can also keep the blood pressure in check.
What are you Eating?
With blood pressure still in mind, high blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart failure. Young Black women have been found to have higher rates of hypertension compared to other populations. It is essential to monitor blood pressure regularly and take appropriate measures to manage it effectively.
It’s important to eat foods with less sodium. Observe your intake of the tasty chips and snacks in your cabinets! A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products can promote heart health and help manage weight and blood pressure.
Heart failure and cardiovascular diseases are serious health concerns for young Black women, and it is imperative to raise awareness about the specific risks we face. By understanding the factors that contribute to heart disease and recognizing the warning signs, we can take proactive steps to protect our cardiovascular health. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing chronic conditions, and seeking regular medical care, we can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, failure and promote overall well-being.
