Blacks more likely to experience sudden cardiac arrest

July 28--African-Americans are more likely than whites to experience sudden cardiac arrest and at a much earlier age, and the reasons have to do with genetics, economics and preventative medical care.

African-Americans also have a higher rate than whites of well-established risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including diabetes (52 percent versus 33 percent), high blood pressure (77 percent, compared to 65 percent) and chronic kidney failure (34 percent versus 19 percent), according to a recent report through the American Heart Association, and as published through its journal, Circulation.

"Genetics has a huge influence on cardiac disease," said Jim McVay, director, Bureau Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Bureau. "(African-Americans) do have do have higher rates of diabetes, blood pressure, so genetically, they are more predisposed to it.

"You also have your socioeconomic factors. People with higher incomes, have better health care. Economic issues have a lot to do with preventative activities. Diet and exercise have a lot to do with reducing the risk. Many individuals don't even realize they don't have high blood pressure."

From the study, it was found that about 43 percent of River Region residents are African-American, and under the age of 65. Also, about 56 percent of Montgomery County residents and 76 percent of Lowndes County residents are African-American, and under the age of 65, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

In adults with sudden cardiac arrest, the rate of diabetes, high blood pressure and chronic kidney failure was greater in African-Americans than whites, according to the AHA study.

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart's electrical system malfunctions and blood is no longer pumped throughout the body. Sudden cardiac arrest is a major cause of death in the United States, contributing 300,000 to 350,000 deaths annually and accounting for about 50 percent of all cardiovascular deaths.

This study was funded, in part, by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. For the study, researchers collected data on 1,745 white and 179 black residents in the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area who experienced sudden cardiac arrest between 2002 and 2012.

While socioeconomic factors might play into why some African-Americans can not receive the care they need, they can exercise and improve their nutrition choices to help reduce risk factors.

"They should have five fruits and vegetables a day," McVay said. "They need to increase those. And avoid high calorie foods such as foods high in sugar content.

"Walking is a fantastic exercise," he said, adding it has to be done on a regular basis, and not just one day on a weekend. "At least three days a week, but five days a week is better. It is also better to have people with you, to encourage you. Of course, in this kind of weather, you can go to an indoor mall, and churches have walking areas, along with YMCAs."

Quick look from study

African-Americans were more than twice as likely as whites to experience sudden cardiac arrest.

On average, Africa-Americans were more than six years younger than whites at the time of sudden cardiac arrest. Among African-Americans, the majority were younger than 65 when their sudden cardiac arrest occurred; among whites, the majority were older than 65.

African-Americans who experience sudden cardiac arrest had the same rates as whites of coronary artery disease, long considered the strongest predictor of risk. However, three non-coronary heart problems were significantly more prevalent among Africa-Americans than whites: congestive heart failure (43 percent vs. 34 percent), left ventricular hypertrophy (77 percent vs. 58 percent), and a longer QT interval, indicating a problem with the heart's electrical system.

Source: American Heart Association

Need more info?

The Alabama Department of Public Health offers information in its Cardiovascular Health Program. Visit adph.org, and click on "A-Z Index," then click on "C" and click on "Cardiovascular Health." For more information, call the ADPH at 206-5300 or toll free at 1-800-ALA-1818 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

From the heart

The national goal of the American Heart Association is, by 2020, to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent.

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