The number one killer of black men in the United States is heart disease

Coronary heart disease is the leading killer of black men. It is the narrowing of the small blood vessels, causing loss of oxygen and blood flow. The highest rates of heart disease were seen in the southern United States and among black Americans, according to studies done by the CDC. Rates for heart disease have decreased among whites and Hispanics, but have remained steady in the black community. In 2007, the CDC reported that black males were 30% more likely to die from heart disease than their counterparts. Risk factors like smoking, obesity and high cholesterol contribute to the ethnic health disparity. But healthcare professionals still struggle to understand why black males are so disproportionately affected. Dr. Afolabi Sangosanya, a board certified cardiologist at Capital Regional Medical Center, said that we may never know the true cause for the disparity, but black males should do all they can to prevent the disease. There is a pattern of younger black males suffering from cardiovascular disease. The best way to prevent a diagnosis is by making better lifestyle choices, cutting out risk factors and knowing both your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.