The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Minority heart health: Don’t let barriers stand in the way.
Our heart is one of our most vital organs – it’s what keeps us alive.
Surovi Hazarika, MD, PhD, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic Lorain Family Health Center, explains that heart disease is the leading cause of death in Black Americans.
Dr. Hazarika says that barriers to heart healthcare in minorities can include:
• Social determinants of health: Conditions in which people grow, work and live – including safe housing, transportation, neighborhoods, racism, violence, education, income, food insecurity, pollution and language.
• Access to care: Life issues – like immigration status or lack of health insurance – can make it difficult to access healthcare.
• Implicit bias: Unconscious bias that impacts the healthcare treatment patients may receive.
Some barriers are unavoidable, but it’s important to take charge of your heart health. Your Cleveland Clinic providers are committed to reducing barriers and providing world class care for all patients in need.
Cholesterol, blood sugar, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure all play a big part in the health of your ticker. It’s important to know those numbers. Set specific heart health goals to hold yourself accountable – like avoiding the daily 600-calorie mocha iced coffee and going to the gym twice a week.
When should you see a cardiologist?
Cardiologists treat many heart health-related issues even before they become a problem. If you have a family history of heart disease, chronic hypertension, diabetes or high cholesterol, you might see a cardiologist to work on strategies to minimize your future risk of heart disease.
Talk to a cardiologist if you have any serious, persistent symptoms like chest pain or discomfort, feeling faint, shortness of breath or swelling in your legs. These could be signs of heart disease or heart failure.
For more information about heart health, visit ClevelandClinic.org/LoveYourHeart. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hazarika or another cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic Lorain, call 440.204.7400.