Cardiovascular health among African-Americans: a review of the health status, risk reduction, and intervention strategies.

BACKGROUND

This article reviews the literature of African-American risk and identifies the disparity in cardiovascular health status, particularly hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and cigarette smoking, and mortality rates between African-Americans and whites.

METHODS

Data on African-Americans' knowledge and attitudes toward preventing hypertension and heart disease are summarized and compared to that of whites.

RESULTS

Program implementation details such as communication channels, activities, and health outcomes in cardiovascular risk reduction programs in African-American communities are summarized.

DISCUSSION

Promising approaches to program planning and implementation for cardiovascular risk reduction among African-Americans are recommended.