Protecting the Heart Health of Women of Color
Heart Sistas is committed to advancing prevention, education, advocacy, and community-centered support to address the heart health disparities impacting women of color.
Cardiovascular disease kills more than 50,000 Black women annually.
Heart disease and stroke are leading threats to women’s health, and stroke disproportionately affects Black women. Greater awareness can lead to earlier action, stronger prevention, and better outcomes.
What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease is a general term for conditions that affect the structure and function of the heart. One of the most common forms is coronary heart disease, which happens when plaque builds up in the arteries and reduces blood flow to the heart.
When blood flow becomes blocked, it can lead to a heart attack. Understanding these conditions is one of the first steps toward prevention, early detection, and life-saving action.
Recognize symptoms early.
Respond immediately.
Quick action can save lives. Learn the warning signs of stroke and heart attack so you know when to seek emergency care right away.
Stroke Warning Signs
If you notice any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical help right away.
Heart Attack Signs
Some symptoms are sudden and intense, while others build gradually. Do not ignore them.
Heart disease affects women of color differently.
African American women often face disparities in healthcare access and quality that can affect heart disease outcomes. Living in neighborhoods with limited access to healthy foods, safe housing, gyms, community centers, and walkable spaces can increase the chances of heart disease.
Here are a few unsettling findings
Are at a higher risk for heart disease than many other groups.
Are underrepresented in major research trials.
Have higher rates of diabetes and hypertension, two major cardiovascular risk factors.
Face ongoing barriers to aggressive diagnostic testing and equitable care.
Risk Factors & Prevention
Understanding common risk factors can help women take proactive steps toward prevention, treatment, and long-term heart health.
Cholesterol
What is cholesterol?
Blood cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made by your liver. Cholesterol is essential for good health. Your body needs it to perform important jobs, such as making hormones and digesting fatty foods. Your body makes all the blood cholesterol it needs. Cholesterol is measured (mg/dL). Get your cholesterol checked. This test, also called a lipid panel or lipid profile, usually checks the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in your body.
Hypertension
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is blood pressure that is higher than normal. Your blood pressure changes throughout the day based on your activities. Having blood pressure measurements consistently above normal may result in a diagnosis of high blood pressure. The higher your blood pressure levels, the more risk you have for other health complications.
Obesity & Diabetes
Why do obesity and diabetes affect your heart?
Obesity can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses. BMI is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. A high BMI can indicate high body fatness. Monitoring weight and diabetes risk can play an important role in supporting long-term heart health.
Heart Healthy Eating
Eating more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats can support heart health. Reducing sodium, added sugars, and highly processed foods can also help manage blood pressure and lower cardiovascular risk.
Exercise & Lifestyle
Regular physical activity can strengthen the heart, improve circulation, reduce stress, and support healthy blood pressure and weight management. Even small lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference over time.
Medication Adherence
Taking prescribed medications consistently and as directed is an important part of heart health management. Medication adherence can help control chronic conditions such as hypertension, cholesterol, and diabetes while lowering the risk of serious complications.
Lifesaving services are not reaching the Women Of Color
We care deeply because we’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of health inequities on women of color and their loved ones. These aren’t just numbers; they represent heart-wrenching stories of hardship, inspiring resilience, and profound transformation that leave an indelible mark on families and communities.
Heart Disease and Stroke in Black Women
Heart disease and stroke is the No. 1 killer in women, and stroke disproportionately affects Black women. Importantly, Black women are less likely than Caucasian women to be aware that heart disease is the leading cause of death.
Our Network
Enriching Women Of Color Lives
Supporting heart donors and their families includes advocating for organ donation awareness, contributing to registration organizations, providing assistance during the donation process, and sharing stories of their generosity.
Make an Impact.
Save a Heart.
Your donation helps Heart Sistas provide life-saving education, resources, and support to women of color — because every heart matters.
Your Gift Supports:
Community Screenings & Education
Helping women access vital heart health screenings and prevention education.
Workshops & Support Groups
Empowering women through knowledge, connection, and community support.
Programs That Save Lives
Funding initiatives that create lasting change and improve heart health outcomes.
Together, we can change lives.
Thank you for your generosity and support.
Every Heart
Matters
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Frequently Asked
Questions
Frequently Asked
Questions
What are the Signs & Symptoms of Stroke?
What are the Signs & Symptoms of Stroke?
If you have any of these signs, call 911 and get to a hospital right away.
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing or blurred vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
What are the Signs & Symptoms of Stroke?
What are the Signs & Symptoms of Stroke?
If you have any of these signs, call 911 and get to a hospital right away.
- Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
The most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort.
How can I sign up to volunteer?
How can I sign up to volunteer?
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How can I support Heart Sistas’ mission?
How can I support Heart Sistas’ mission?
You can support Heart Sistas by volunteering, donating, attending community events, or helping spread awareness about heart health in underserved communities. Every contribution helps us expand education, prevention programs, and life-saving resources.
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