ABOUT HEART FAILURE

Heart Failure In African Americans

Heart failure is a progressively worsening condition that occurs when the heart muscle weakens and cannot pump blood efficiently enough to meet the needs of the body.  The loss of pump function is usually caused by poorly controlled high blood pressure, a heart attack or in association with chronic illnesses such as diabetes.

Not only are blacks 50% more likely to develop heart failure compared with white Americans, but according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, blacks tend to develop heart failure at an earlier age than other Americans. Their symptoms also tend to be more severe and to worsen more quickly.   The most common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath from congestion in the lungs
• Easy fatigability; feeling of lethargy
• Sleeping problems due to the inability to lay flat or sudden awakening with shortness of breath
• Swelling in the feet, ankles and other parts of the body

For patients, normal everyday activities -- even walking -- become increasingly difficult over time.  More concerning, risk for hospitalization and death increases as the heart’s ability to function well decreases.