Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among African American women in the United States, at 47% according to the National Library of Medicine. Hypertension, a major risk factor for CVD, affects 56% of African American women, nearly 1.5 times higher than the rates in Hispanic and non-Hispanic White women.
Rep. Ilhan Omar hosted a panel discussion on Black women's heart health at the NorthPoint Conference Center in Minneapolis on February 19. The event, "Black Women's Heart Health Panel and Resource Fair," featured Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley, director of clinical services of NorthPoint Wellness Center; Dr. Rahshana Price-Isuk, founding director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Anti Racism Research in Health Equity; Dr. Rachel Hardeman; and Director of Hennepin County Public Health Sara Hollie.
A central theme of the discussion was the importance of mental health in cardiovascular recovery, particularly for Black women. Conley explained how a lack of adequate mental health support during her recovery process made her feel isolated, especially as a younger Black woman among older, predominantly white patients. "The connection between mental health and recovery from a cardiac event is huge," Conley said.
"We need to continue these support groups so we can talk to other survivors about our experiences and hold each other accountable for self-care," she continues. "I had Black women talking to me about how they had a heart attack on their 40th birthday, or they lost a parent at 55 because of heart disease," said Conley, recalling the jaw and neck pain she had before her heart attack in 2023.
Dr. Price-Isuk echoed Conley's point on the importance of building social networks and support systems in addressing chronic disease. "During Covid, many of us worked a lot of hours, and that took a toll. But self-care is about making time for yourself and saying 'no,'" Dr. Price-Isuk said. "Social connections are so important, and they go beyond screens -- they're about in-person connections with the people who care for you."
Dr. Hardeman, who studies the role racism plays in the poor health for Black people, published groundbreaking research that found that Black women are twice as likely to have preterm birth in neighborhoods under intense surveillance compared to those living in other areas. Another study by Harderman found that Black newborns are more likely to live longer when cared for by a Black physician.
Dr. Hardeman discussed the lack of culturally competent care and the historical mistrust that often keeps Black women from receiving proper treatment. "We need more providers who understand us," Dr. Hardeman said. "There's a critical need for therapy. I wouldn't be here today if I didn't have a Black therapist."
Dr. Price-Isuk wrote a research paper in eighth grade detailing aspirations of becoming a doctor. Originally from the North Side of Minneapolis, she points to a growing body of research that links mental health with cardiovascular health. "We now know that stress and depression are independent risk factors for heart disease and cardiovascular problems," Dr. Price-Isuk said.
Sara Hollie, addressing systemic barriers, pointed out the role of racism in shaping health outcomes. "We have to address racism embedded in our systems," Hollie said. "Funding and resource allocation need to be more reflective of the needs of Black and brown communities."
Rep. Omar also spoke about the necessity of policy changes to ensure greater access to health services for underserved communities. "We must do better for Black women at the congressional level," Omar said.
"Doing better means creating and enacting meaningful policy and providing funding for this work." Omar and Rep. Joyce Beatty co-authored the Women's Heart Health Expansion Act, which aims to expand access to cardiovascular screenings and health services for women with little or no insurance.
As the event concluded, the speakers underscored that systemic change, along with increased funding and culturally competent health care, is critical to improving the heart health and overall well-being of Black women. Rep. Omar warned members that "Under the current administration, both federal policy and funding are actively under attack."
In a space often dominated by traditional approaches to health care, the conversation at NorthPoint was a powerful reminder of the need for holistic, culturally relevant care that addresses both the mental and physical aspects of health, especially for Black women.