Make The REACH SPOTLIGHT
April is: National Minority Health Month!
WHAT IS Heart Disease?
Cardiac hydropathies is a general term for the complications in a heart, namely coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure and arrhythmias. It remains the first leading cause of death in the world and has a special brunt on minority populations. Studies attribute a high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous communities in the U.S. to the limited accessibility to healthcare, socioeconomic inequalities, and a higher prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension, obesity and diabetes among them. Systemic impediments unnecessarily delay diagnosis and treatment, rendering heart disease grave and fatal in this group.
Where does it start?
The disease typically starts with damage to the heart’s blood vessels, primarily due to atherosclerosis—a condition where fatty deposits (plaque) build up inside the arteries. This plaque accumulation can result from high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and an unhealthy diet. Over time, the narrowed arteries restrict blood flow to the heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular complications. In minority communities, lack of routine screenings and preventive care contributes to undetected progression of heart disease, leading to worse outcomes.
Symptoms
Symptoms of heart disease vary depending on the specific condition but commonly include chest pain or discomfort (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, and swelling in the legs or feet due to fluid retention. In many cases, heart disease remains silent until a major event, such as a heart attack, occurs. Minority populations often experience these symptoms but may not seek medical attention promptly due to financial concerns, cultural beliefs, or mistrust in the healthcare system, further exacerbating the risk of severe complications.
Treatment
Treatment for heart disease depends on its type and severity but generally includes lifestyle modifications, medication, and medical procedures. A heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and weight management are key preventive strategies. Medications such as blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and beta-blockers help manage symptoms and prevent further damage. In more severe cases, medical interventions like angioplasty, stent placement, bypass surgery, or pacemakers may be necessary. Addressing disparities in healthcare by improving access to preventive screenings, culturally competent care, and education is crucial in reducing heart disease’s disproportionate impact on minority populations.
WHAT IS TYPE 2 DIABETES?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose). It is one of the most prevalent metabolic diseases worldwide and disproportionately affects minority populations, including Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, and Asian American communities. These groups often face higher rates of diabetes due to genetic predisposition, socioeconomic barriers, limited access to healthcare, and disparities in nutrition and lifestyle. Factors such as food insecurity, lack of safe spaces for physical activity, and cultural dietary habits contribute to an increased risk, leading to higher rates of diabetes-related complications, including kidney disease, nerve damage, and heart disease.
Where does it start?
The condition begins with insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. As a result, the pancreas produces more insulin to compensate, but over time, it becomes overworked and cannot keep up with the body’s demand. This leads to consistently high blood sugar levels, which can damage blood vessels and organs. Minority populations are often diagnosed at later stages of the disease due to lower screening rates and limited healthcare access, making management more difficult and increasing the risk of complications.
Symptoms
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes develop gradually and may go unnoticed for years. Common signs include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, and numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. Because many symptoms are mild or mistaken for other conditions, people in underserved communities may not seek medical attention until serious complications arise, such as kidney failure, vision loss, or cardiovascular disease. Language barriers, mistrust in healthcare providers, and financial constraints also contribute to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment
Treatment for type 2 diabetes focuses on blood sugar management through lifestyle changes, medication, and, in some cases, insulin therapy. A balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables and regular physical activity can significantly improve blood sugar control. Medications such as metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 receptor agonists help regulate glucose levels and prevent complications. In severe cases, insulin injections may be necessary. Addressing health disparities by increasing access to affordable healthcare, culturally tailored education programs and preventive screenings is essential in reducing the burden of type 2 diabetes on minority populations and improving long-term health outcomes.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
- Winston Churchill