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Division of Minority Health and Disparity Elimination

Racial and Ethnic Minority Tennesseans and Heart Disease and Stroke

Heart disease and stroke are serious chronic diseases in racial and ethnic minority communities. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among all Americans, but the rate of death from heart disease and stroke is one and a half times the rate of white Tennesseans. Untreated heart disease can cause heart attacks and strokes that may lead to death. Often called the “silent killer,” many people who have untreated heart disease feel healthy while the disease puts greater stress on the cardiovascular system.

Featured Facts

Facts about heart disease and stroke in Tennessee:
  • In 2005 (based on 2000-2002 data) Tennessee was ranked 3rd highest in heart disease deaths in the nation. The risk for Tennesseans dying from heart disease in this period was 16% higher than the national average.i
  • In 2004 the age-adjusted heart disease death rate for black Tennesseans (323.0 per 100,000) was 32% greater than for whites (245.5 per 100,000).ii
  • In 2002 Tennessee’s stroke death rate of 70.4 per 100,000 ranked 3rd highest in the nation. The risk for Tennesseans dying from strokes in this period was 25% higher than the national average.iii
  • In 2004 the age-adjusted stroke death rate for black Tennesseans (86.0 per 100,000) was 43% higher than for whites (60.1 per 100,000).iv

Factors that may lead to heart disease and stroke:

  • Untreated hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Obesity and overweight
  • Lack of physical activity
  • High cholesterol
  • High-fat diet
  • Tobacco use

Suggestions to prevent and control heart disease and stroke:

  • Low-salt, low-fat diet, with limited animal fats
  • Regular medical care
  • Increased physical activity
  • Avoid tobacco use
  • Healthy stress management

i. United Health Foundation. America’s Health Rankings - 2005 Edition: A Call to Action for People and Their Communities, (Source: 2000-2002 mortality data, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). www.americashealthrankings.org

ii. Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Policy, Planning and Assessment, Division of Health Statistics.

iii. The Kaiser Family Foundation: www.statehealthfacts.org (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1999-2002 mortality data).

iv. Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Policy, Planning and Assessment, Division of Health Statistics.

Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention and Education Services

The Tennessee Department of Health is committed to the prevention of and education about heart disease and stroke. The Department has a number of services that work with communities and families to support the prevention of heart disease and stroke. Below is a list and description of services offered through the Department or your local county health department.

Division of Minority Health and Disparity Elimination – The Division of Minority Health and Disparity Elimination was created to address the health and fitness needs of all Tennesseans and to promote healthy lifestyles for the state's citizens. The Council is also charged by the Governor to serve as a clearinghouse for information on health and physical fitness programs and make recommendations for such legislation as may be necessary and appropriate to further their goals. The Tennessee Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Health Program seeks to lessen the burden of cardiovascular disease and improve the cardiovascular health of Tennesseans through changes in policy and environment. The Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program promotes heart healthy lifestyles and addresses individuals, targeted audiences and whole populations through prevention and raising awareness. The Department has teamed with Pfizer, Inc. to sponsor the Count on Me: Heart Health Is a Numbers Game! media campaign. Radio and television stations will air suggestions to prevent and control heart disease and stroke in African-American and other racial/ethnic minority communities. Health Education – Regional and local health departments across Tennessee employ health educators and other staff who work with communities to develop programs to support the prevention and effective treatment of heart disease and stroke. Search Your Heart, a faith-based program created by the American Heart Association designed to prevent and raise awareness of heart disease and stroke in African-American communities, is one program offered. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL YOUR LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT OR (615) 741-0380.