Heart disease is the leading cause of death for all racial and ethnic groups. In fact, African-Americans in King County have the highest death rates from stroke and coronary heart disease, compared to any other racial or ethnic group.
One major risk factor for heart disease is high blood pressure, or hypertension, which is highly prevalent among African-Americans. The risk is also higher in Mexican-Americans, American Indians, native Hawaiians and some Asian-Americans.
Close to 85 percent of people who die from coronary heart disease are over the age of 65. So how can we, as seniors and people of color, reduce our risks?
There are several factors to consider. Age, race and heredity are among risk factors we can't change. However, most risk factors - such as smoking, obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure - can be changed by modifying behavior or with medications.
According to Public Health-Seattle & King County, a healthy lifestyle is the best way to improve heart health and prevent heart disease. Dr. Cheza Garvin of Public Health's Chronic Disease Prevention and Healthy Aging Program says that stress plays a large role in heart disease.
"High stress levels maintained over time lead to changes in body chemistry, as well as mood. This may be a particular problem for people of color in our society," Garvin said. "That makes it more difficult to manage weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle."
Heart disease treatment, prevention or delays of onset are very possible, she said. Not only can certain lifestyle changes prevent heart disease, but they also can help reverse its effects in people currently dealing with the disease.
The Healthy Aging Partnership (HAP), a coalition of 40 Puget Sound-area not-for-profit and public organizations dedicated to the health and well-being of older adults, offers these suggestions to help ensure that older adults and people of color reduce their risk of heart disease:
* Participate in moderate physical activity five or more days a week, 30 minutes each day, at least 10 minutes at a time.
* Get regular check-ups to test your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels and keep them under control.
* Eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
* Manage or lose weight if necessary. Excess weight makes the heart work harder. Obesity can elevate your risk for diabetes as well as heart disease.
* According to the American Heart Association, smokers' risk of developing coronary heart disease is two to four times that of non-smokers. When you stop smoking, you cut your risks in half!
* Research has found a link between coronary heart disease and a person's level of stress. Stay aware of the things that keep you stressed, and try to eliminate them when possible.
* Also, be aware of signs of a heart attack or coronary disease. Heart disease and heart attacks have been dubbed "the silent killer" because warning signs can develop very slowly and be less obvious. This is particularly true for women of any racial or ethnic group.
Be aware of any discomfort in the center of the chest or in one or both arms, back, neck or jaw. Also, shortness of breath can be a sign of a heart attack.
For more information about preventing heart disease or any other issues related to life as an older adult, call 1-888-4ELDERS (1-888-435-3377), a free and confidential help line, or visit the Web site at the Internet address, www.4elders.org.
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