Black Women’s Silent Heart Crisis

For decades, heart disease has been viewed as a man’s problem—one of the many dangerous misconceptions in the Black community. An even more harmful belief is that heart disease only appears later in life. These myths have contributed to countless preventable deaths among Black women.

Let’s confront uncomfortable, but necessary, truths about heart disease and Black women. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for Black women in the United States, as reported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Our persistent misconceptions have resulted in many missed warning signs, misdiagnoses, or dismissals—often until it is too late.

The crisis deepens during pregnancy. Gored For Women reports that Black women are more likely to have pregnancy-related heart problems than any other race, and our sistahs are 3.5x more likely to die from cardiovascular diseases during and shortly after pregnancy. When these pregnancy-related risks intersect with generational gaps in health care in the US, a public health emergency emerges—one hiding in plain sight.

Heart Disease and the Cost of Being Overlooked

The image that is painted about heart attacks in our community is that of a grandpa holding his chest because of crushing chest pain, followed by a dramatic collapse. But the truth is that heart disease is not always like that, especially for women.

Women suffering heart disease may show non-classic symptoms. They are more likely to experience:

Extreme fatigue
Nausea or indigestion
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Jaw, neck, or back pain

The Mayo Clinic confirms that these symptoms are common indicators of heart disease in women. Yet too often, they are dismissed—by us and, more concerningly, by healthcare providers. Many women are told their symptoms stem from stress, anxiety, or exhaustion, even when a serious underlying condition is present.

Systemic bias in healthcare plays a massive role. Multiple studies have shown that Black women are less likely to have their pain taken seriously by healthcare providers. Research published in 2020 by the Frank Baten School of Leadership and Public Policy and Harvard Global Health Institute are examples of studies that support this claim.

This is not because Black women are biologically predisposed to heart disease. Rather, the condition is more prevalent among us and timely, appropriate care is too often delayed or denied. It would be unrealistic to expect a community enduring the compounded effects of racism, economic inequity, caregiving burdens, chronic stress, and limited access to preventative care to remain untouched by heart disease. These are the key points that must be central to the conversation as we observe this year’s American Heart Month.

When Pregnancy Strains the Heart

Only someone who has experienced pregnancy can truly speak to its physical demands. Having been pregnant multiple times, I can attest that no two pregnancies are alike. While pregnancy—especially my first—was a joyful moment for me, it was also the most physically demanding journey I have undertaken. Throughout pregnancy, the heart bears significant and sustained strain in every woman.

Conditions like preeclampsia, postpartum cardiomyopathy, blood clots, and uncontrolled hypertension occur at higher rates during and after pregnancy. Cardiomyopathy alone is the leading cause of death of Black women following delivery, according to the American Heart Association Journals.

Too often, serious heart trouble is dismissed as normal postpartum changes. This dismissal is a key reason for Black women’s high mortality rate after childbirth. Our deaths are not a matter of choice, but are consequences of gaps in monitoring, inadequate follow-up care, and a persistent failure to listen.

Self-Advocacy and Early Screening Save Lives

Our voice as Black women has remained one of our most potent tools, and using it can literally save our lives. Self-advocacy is crucial. For me, it’s not about being confrontational but about being informed, persistent, and prepared. If something feels off with my body, it deserves attention.

Early screening is essential, and it should include:

Regular blood pressure checks
Cholesterol and blood sugar testing
Heart health assessments after pregnancy complications
Family history discussions

Waiting until symptoms are severe may mean that the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. Elevate Black Health believes that seeking a second opinion is not just okay but necessary. Changing healthcare providers, requesting a test, or asking for a referral to a cardiologist is not an overreaction—it’s a part of self advocacy.

More importantly, community support should be solidified. We must all get involved in this fight against heart disease. Let’s speak with one voice as sisters, mothers, friends, and daughters to help set the record straight. When we share our experiences, patterns become visible, and silence and misconceptions lose their power.

Never forget that your heart health matters a whole lot. Your symptoms are not to be overlooked. Your voice is louder now than ever.