Yesterday I received a message from an advocate asking if I could help share a patient survey in my community. They told me that most of the responses they’ve received so far are from Caucasian patients, and it raised a concern for them, there must be people of color experiencing this too.

My response was honest: we’re not missing, we’re often just not diagnosed.

Through our work with Heart Sistas, I see the difference in how healthcare often shows up in Black and Brown communities. Many of us spend years trying to explain symptoms before someone truly listens. Access to advanced testing, emerging technology, and specialized care isn’t always equal. Too often our health concerns are treated only when they become a crisis instead of part of a planned pathway toward answers and treatment.

The condition being studied is Angina with No Obstructive Coronary Arteries.

ANOCA means someone can experience angina or chest pain even though their coronary arteries show less than 50% blockage, which is considered non-obstructive. Many patients are told their arteries are “clear,” but they continue to experience symptoms without clear explanations.

The reality is that many people in our communities may not even know this condition exists, or that their symptoms could fit this profile.

That’s why I’m sharing this.

This survey is designed to help identify people who may fit the ANOCA patient profile. If responses don’t match the condition, the survey filters them out. Survey 1 focuses on diagnosis.

Because if our communities are not represented in research, we are often left out of the solutions that come from that research.

At Heart Sistas, we believe in education, communication, and making sure our communities are not invisible when it comes to heart health.

Start Survey 1: Diagnosis here:
https://surveys.adelaide.edu.au/redcap/surveys/?s=CNRTHX7NFTKCWAM7

If you’ve ever been told your arteries were “clear” but you still experience chest pain, discomfort, or unexplained symptoms, please don’t ignore your voice or your experience.

Our stories matter. Our symptoms matter. Our lives matter.

And until Black and Brown communities are fully seen, heard, and represented in heart health research, the work of advocacy and the mission of Heart Sistas continues.

Learn more about Heart Sistas:
www.heartsistasinc.org

Because equity in healthcare should never depend on who gets counted.