Every Heart Counts: Uncovering the Heart Health Crisis in America's Cardiology Desert

In a startling new survey conducted by the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC), a significant gap in heart health awareness across the United States has been revealed. This troubling report underscores the persistent disparities in access to cardiovascular education and care, especially in underserved communities. The survey highlights that a staggering 40% of Americans are unaware of the differences between the two primary cholesterol types: HDL-C (good cholesterol) and LDL-C (bad cholesterol). Alarmingly, this lack of knowledge is more pronounced within Black (54%) and Hispanic (49%) populations.

Dr. Anthony Fletcher, President of ABC, stated, “When communities lack the tools to understand their heart health, it leads not only to missed opportunities but escalates into a public health crisis.” The ABC has launched the "Every Heart Counts ABC Cardiology Deserts Campaign" to address this crisis and promote heart health education, aiming to reach those who are often left behind in healthcare initiatives. The campaign is particularly crucial as heart disease remains a leading cause of death in the U.S., outpacing all cancer treatments combined.

Despite advancements in treatment, communities of color endure higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular risk factors. Barriers such as systemic inequities and limited access to screening exacerbate these health challenges. On average, one in four adults must travel 10-20 miles just to see a heart specialist, with even higher rates found in Louisiana, Arkansas, Georgia, and Mississippi. Alarmingly, 22% of survey respondents reported that they had attempted to secure a cardiology appointment but were unable to do so.

The survey also exposed a significant screening shortfall, with 15% of respondents, including nearly one in five Black and Hispanic adults, reporting that they have never undergone a cardiovascular screening. Furthermore, one in five adults believes they do not require heart care, which is also the case among higher-risk groups, including seniors, rural residents, and women.

ABC's campaign is a timely initiative that seeks to transform these data-driven insights into actionable outcomes. By enhancing the capabilities of primary care providers and broadening the reach of LDL cholesterol screenings, ABC is committed to making heart care more accessible to those who need it the most. Dr. Fletcher emphasized the importance of community engagement: “We are collaborating with primary care providers and local organizations to enable life-saving heart care to get closer to those who need it most.”

With support from Amgen, the campaign aims to dismantle structural barriers preventing timely access to quality cardiovascular care. ABC not only emphasizes raising awareness about heart health but also focuses on driving preventive action among communities that may not have had resources previously.

As part of its outreach, ABC has already initiated its community activation and provider education efforts in states that are identified as needing significant changes in health outcomes—specifically in Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Dr. Paul Burton, Chief Medical Officer at Amgen, remarked on the significance of this endeavor, stating, “ABC is uniquely suited to cater to the specific needs of high-risk communities and equip them with screening and education.”

In conclusion, the "Every Heart Counts ABC Cardiology Deserts Campaign" exemplifies a robust effort to close the heart health gap affecting millions of Americans. ABC encourages healthcare professionals, local leaders, and individuals to actively participate in this essential movement. To learn more about the campaign and to access free screening resources, please visit www.abcardio.org.