The American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update reports that while progress has been made in reducing cardiovascular and cerebral health disparities, Black communities in the United States still face disproportionately higher risk of heart disease, stroke and hypertension. These gaps subsequently contribute to equally disproportionate high death rates, underscoring the urgent need for lifesaving intervention. As part of its nationwide Heart Month and Black History Month activations, the American Heart Association — devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all — is highlighting the need to close the survival gap through continued education, advocacy and Hands-Only CPR training. The American Heart Association’s goal: ensuring all people, especially those at greatest risk, have the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives.
Addressing the Disproportionate Burden of Cardiovascular Disease
According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. The report notes that Black Americans suffer some of the worst CVD health outcomes, likely due to the increasing prevalence of health risk factors that lead to CVD.
- CVD Prevalence: Among people aged 20 and older in the U.S., nearly 60% of Black adults have some type of CVD, including coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke and hypertension; that’s compared to about 49% of all U.S. adults who have some type of CVD.
- Stroke Disparities: Among all adults in the U.S., the prevalence of stroke is highest among Black women (5.4%) and Black men (4.8%), compared to all women at 2.9% and all men at 3.6%.
- High Blood Pressure Crisis: Black adults in the U.S have some of the highest prevalence of hypertension in the world, with 58.4% of Black women and 57.5% of Black men having high blood pressure. That compares to 50.4% of all U.S. adult men and 43% of all women.
- Heart Failure Burden: Black adults account for over 50% of heart failure hospitalizations among U.S. adults under 50.
“The science is clear—Black communities continue to face disproportionate risks of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions, leading to poorer survival outcomes. But data alone won’t drive change,” said Dr. Keith Churchwell, MD, FACC, FACP, FAHA, chief volunteer scientific and medical officer of the American Heart Association. “Real impact happens when we work directly with communities formulating ideas and creating plans and programs to create solutions that address these disparities. By providing access to Hands-Only CPR training, advocating for equitable healthcare, and fostering heart health education, we are committed to working with the community to change the future of health.”
Act and Become a Lifesaver
This February, the Association is challenging families, schools and community organizations to take part in its Hands-Only CPR training initiative and join Nation of Lifesavers™. With nine out of every ten cardiac arrests that happen outside of a hospital resulting in death, learning CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. Only 46% of people who suffer from cardiac arrest receive CPR from a bystander, while CPR is 41% less likely if the person is Black or Hispanic.
“Learning Hands-Only CPR is a simple, powerful step we can all take to save lives. Black History Month serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and contributions of Black Americans throughout history, as well as the persistent disparities in health that impact Black and Latino communities today,” said Churchwell. “Through the Nation of Lifesavers movement, we’re not only equipping individuals with critical CPR skills, but we’re also working to close the health equity gap, so every individual has the opportunity for a longer, healthier life.”
