A new report from the American Heart Association reveals alarming disparities in cardiovascular health across racial and gender lines in the United States. The 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update highlights significant inequities that continue to plague marginalized communities, particularly affecting Black adults and women.
Non-Hispanic Black adults face a staggering age-adjusted mortality rate of 379.7 per 100,000 due to cardiovascular disease, compared to just 104.9 per 100,000 among non-Hispanic Asian females. This stark contrast underscores the disproportionate burden borne by underrepresented communities in accessing equitable healthcare and prevention services.
Women, especially during and after pregnancy, confront unique challenges. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy have doubled from 2007 to 2019, with Black women disproportionately affected. These conditions often lead to long-term cardiovascular complications. Additionally, gestational diabetes increased by 38% between 2016 and 2021, with older mothers facing nearly six times the risk compared to younger mothers.
The report also sheds light on the impact of social determinants of health. Individuals in rural areas or neighborhoods with fewer healthcare resources face limited access to screenings, healthy food options, and consistent medical care. For instance, peripheral artery disease patients living in zip codes with a median household income below $40,000 are at a significantly higher risk of undergoing amputations.
Racial inequities extend to emergency care as well. Black individuals experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrests are 27% less likely to receive bystander CPR at home and 37% less likely in public locations than White individuals, even when income levels are accounted for.
Dr. Seth Martin, who chaired the report, emphasized, “We have the tools to address these inequities, but they require a commitment to prioritizing the health of all communities.” The findings underscore the urgent need for systemic solutions and targeted interventions to bridge these health gaps and improve cardiovascular outcomes for all Americans.
See: “New American Heart Association Report Reveals Alarming Inequities in Heart Health by Race and Gender” (January 28, 2025)
