Taking control of cardiovascular disease may lead to longer life

Jet, Dec 12, 2005

Blacks are three times more likely to experience sudden death from cardiovascular disease than Whites, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Cardiovascular diseases affect the heart and blood vessels and can range from several conditions, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which, according to the Centers for Disease Control, are the main contributors to cardiovascular disease.

Often people don't realize they have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, and if left untreated or undiagnosed, these illnesses can lead to serious problems, including heart attack.

Dr. Paul Underwood, M.D., who specializes in interventional cardiology, in Phoenix, and president of the Association of Black Cardiologists, says Blacks need to take control of their cardiovascular care by having regular exams and knowing what their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels are once they turn 40. For people who have a family history of heart disease, they should know their levels as early as age 20, adds Underwood, a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.

"I think we need to have the same enthusiasm for keeping our hearts healthy and for keeping healthy lifestyles," Underwood says.

"It has to be incorporated. If you want to live a long time, you're going to have to be healthier, so that does mean things like diet and exercise, and then being aware of risk factors. And if you have risk factors, you need to have them controlled."

Risk factors include diabetes, obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, and smoking.

"Smoking is something that everybody can do without," explains Underwood. "It's the main one that you have influence over."

Other things people can do include monitoring their weight, consuming less salt and eating more nutritional foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, which contain potassium. Foods, such as nuts, oats and chicken, which contain arginine, a substance that's naturally produced by the body, may also help promote good health, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Underwood reminds Blacks that it's up to them to work with their physicians, and lead healthy lifestyles.

"We can make a change to live better, healthier lives," he says.