Studies show that many African American die of complications related to coronary artery diseases than any ethnic community in America. Other than other predisposing risk factors, the victims’ deaths are attributed to conditions of hypertension and development of diabetes type II. Hypertension among African Americans is manifested very early in life.
Coronary Artery Disease is occasioned by the building up of calcified substances, fats and cholesterol in the coronary artery. Build up of these substances in the artery necessitate a condition known as Atherosclerosis. These substances reduce the arterial volume hence inadequate flow of blood to the cardiac muscles. Blood may eventually end up clotting in the artery. When heart muscles are not properly nourished owing to blockage of artery, heart attack may result. Studies show that many African Americans succumb to coronary artery disease and their mortality rate is higher than any other ethnic group in America (Gillum, 1997 p.111). The prevalent risk factors among the African Americans are hypertension and diabetes. This research paper is going to study how hypersensitivity and diabetes contribute to development of coronary artery disease among African Americans and how these risk factors can be identified and controlled.
Of the risk factors like advanced age , sex, heredity, tobacco smoking, high blood cholesterol, physical inactivity, obesity and overweight, it has been found that hypersensitivity and diabetes contribute more to the development of coronary artery disease among the African Americans more than any other risk factors (Gillum, 1997 p.1461). The two types of hypertension: systolic and diastolic, both contribute to coronary artery disease among the African Americans. Systolic blood pressure is normally preferred in detection and prediction of coronary artery disease and heart failure. Hypertension compounds risk of developing coronary artery disease by encouraging left ventricular hypertrophy and malfunctioning of endothelium. Studies of the heart show that systolic blood pressure is associated more with left ventricular mass than diastolic pressure. Increased pulse pressure shows that there is reduced vascular compliance in arteries hence an evidence for elevated cardiovascular risks (Traven, 1996 p.130). African Americans develop hypertension at relatively younger ages than any other race in America. This has been used as a pointer to prevalence of coronary artery diseases among the African Americans. This group of people shows greater thickness in the left walls of the ventricle. Studies conducted on left ventricular dysfunction implicated 800 African Americans with left ventricular dysfunction. These complications can lead to development of heart complications.
Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic measures both suggest that increased left ventricular mass are so conspicuous among African Americans. African Americans with left ventricular hypertrophy are more exposed to coronary artery disease. Despite the fact that there is evidence that associate LVH with heart diseases, the mechanism by which it qualifies as a risk factor has not properly been understood (Williams, 1991 p.297). The hypothesis that has been fronted is that of oxygen supply demand imbalance necessitated by decreased coronary driving pressure. This was caused by elevation of left ventricle diastolic pressure; coronary resistance; perivascular fibrosis and impaired nitric oxide microvascular dilation. Because LVH is common and severe in African Americans, African Americans have severe imbalances between myocardial oxygen supply and demand hence malignant arrhythmias in African Americans.
Diabetes mellitus contribute to development of coronary artery disease among African Americans. Diabetics are most likely to develop vascular complication than the non diabetics. Diabetes mellitus type two prevalence among African Americans is two times higher than any other race. Hospitals where diabetics are hospitalized register 75 per cent of deaths that are related to coronary artery disease. Coronary heart diseases contribute 80 per cent of deaths. Vascular diseases are manifested early in lives of the diabetics than in non diabetics. Women face equal risks as women. Diabetics who happen to have suffered from myocardial infarction earlier on in life are prone to succumbing at onset of acute myocardial infarction. They do experience heart failure than non diabetics. Calcifications that take place in the arteries of diabetics are similar to those in non diabetics. The only notable difference is only witnessed in the severity and extent of coronary artery disease. Diabetics who have never experienced myocardial infarction have greater risk of myocardial infarction just like the non diabetics with known coronary complications. However, whether diabetes plays a part in coronary complications independently or in conjunction with other metabolic abnormalities in African Americans is still not known.
To control hypertension it is important that somebody visits the physician to ascertain his or her blood pressure. It is prudent to ensure that your blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg. Blood pressure higher than this value is risky for ones health. Alternatively, one can buy blood pressure cuff and stethoscope to enable them measure their own blood pressure. It is recommended that smoking should be avoided by all means (Williams, 2000 p.285). One must engage in physical activities that keep their systems active. To avoid hypertension complications, there is the need to ensure that sodium intake is regulated. This is because sodium plays a significant role in as far as fluids regulations within the body is concerned.
It is advisable that ones diet should be devoid of excess sodium as sodium plays a role in regulation of fluids in the body. Smoking and excessive drinking of alcohol has to be avoided. To control diabetes, one has to engage in physical activities, take food that has whole grains and has plenty of fiber, shed off extra weight.
Because coronary artery disease among African Americans is majorly attributed to hypertension and diabetes, this study will help affected people in embracing healthy lifestyle by making sure that activities like smoking, drinking, overconsupmtion of sodium is avoided. People will also realize the need for consulting physician and engaging in physical activities.
Reference List
Gillum, R.F., Mussolino, M.E., Madans, J.H. (1997). Coronary heart disease incidence and survival in African-American women and men. The NHANES I epidemiologic Follow-up study. Ann Intern Med; 127:111–118.
Gillum, R.F. (1997). Sudden cardiac death in Hispanic Americans and African Americans. Am J Public Health; 87:1461–1466.
Traven, N.D., Kuller, L.H., Ives, D.G, et al. (1996). Coronary heart disease mortality and sudden death among the 35–44 year age group in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Ann Epidemiol; 6:130 –136.
Williams, R.A. (1991). Sudden cardiac death in blacks, including black athletes. In: Saunders E (ed). Cardiovascular Diseases in Blacks. Philadelphia, PA: FA Davis: 297–320.
Williams, R.A. (2000). Race and gender considerations in sudden death in the athlete. In: Williams RA (ed). The Athlete and Heart Disease. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins: 285–296.