The health of our hearts is the foundation of our well-being, yet heart disease remains the leading cause of death for Black Americans. Despite advancements in medicine and awareness campaigns, disparities persist. According to the American Heart Association, Black adults are nearly twice as likely as their white counterparts to develop heart failure before the age of 50. High blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity—often exacerbated by systemic inequalities—are major contributors to this crisis. More importantly, many individuals realize they are at risk after a tragic event.
Dr. LaNysha Adams knows this firsthand. Before experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, she believed that staying active and maintaining a relatively healthy lifestyle meant her heart was in good condition.
“Everything changed,” Dr. Adams shares. “I took my heart for granted. I assumed being active meant I was in the clear. But I’ve learned that heart health isn’t just about exercise—it’s about listening to my body, managing stress, and being intentional about recovery.”
Heart disease is the number one killer of Black women, yet it often goes unnoticed until a major event, like cardiac arrest or stroke, occurs. The symptoms of heart disease in women can be subtle—unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, or even back pain.
“Too many people—especially Black women—don’t realize they could be at risk until it’s too late,” says Dr. Adams. “We’re often conditioned to push through discomfort, to ignore signs that something is wrong. But heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, and cardiac arrest doesn’t always come with a warning.”
High blood pressure, which disproportionately affects Black women, can quietly strain the heart over time, making it imperative to monitor health closely during and after pregnancy. Adams’ experience underscores the importance of self-advocacy in medical settings. Too often, Black patients’ concerns are dismissed, leading to delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment.
“We have to ask better questions, push for the care we need, and not just accept ‘you’re fine’ as an answer when we know something feels off,” she urges. “There’s so much we aren’t told, and what we don’t know can hurt us. It’s imperative to stay informed to stay alive!”
This means knowing your numbers—blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels—and having regular check-ups. It means demanding second opinions if feel your health concerns remain unanswered. It means being proactive, rather than reactive, when it comes to heart health.
For many, including Adams, adjusting to a new normal after a cardiac event is a difficult process. A former powerlifter, she had to reevaluate what strength truly meant after her cardiac arrest. “I used to believe in ‘powering through.’ If I was tired, I pushed harder. If I felt off, I kept going. I don’t do that anymore,” she says. “Now, I honor my limits. I rest when my body tells me to. I also don’t allow stress to run my life the way it used to.”
Adjusting to these changes requires a shift in mindset. Strength is more than endurance or physical capability; it is also about resilience, adaptability, and prioritizing long-term health over short-term goals. One of Adams’ most crucial messages is simple yet profound: “Your body whispers before it screams. Pay attention to the whispers.”
That random fatigue? That shortness of breath? That strange feeling you can’t quite explain. Those could be warning signs of an underlying heart issue. Ignoring them could lead to devastating consequences.
By embracing preventative care, advocating for better medical treatment, and making intentional lifestyle choices, the statistics can change and ensure that more Black lives are saved. Because in the end, taking care of your heart is about living better and longer.