The Heart of the Matter: Doctors Lead an Initiative to Improve Cardiovascular Health for African Americans

Sylvester, Aisha, Black Enterprise

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As Americans are expressing interest in bettering their health, the African American community remains stagnant on health improvements, says Dr. Christopher J.W.B. Leggett, director of cardiology at Medical Associates of North Georgia. In addition, a study done by the American Heart Association indicates that African Americans remain at greater risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke than white Americans, which may partially be a result of how blacks receive treatment for such ailments.

The difference between the cardiovascular treatment received by whites and minorities is increasing. To combat the problem, some of the country's leading physicians have joined forces to develop an initiative called Close the Gap, which raises awareness of the issue and ensures that …

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Publication information: Article title: The Heart of the Matter: Doctors Lead an Initiative to Improve Cardiovascular Health for African Americans. Contributors: Sylvester, Aisha - Author. Magazine title: Black Enterprise. Volume: 38. Issue: 12 Publication date: July 2008. Page number: 68+. © 2007 Earl G. Graves Publishing Co., Inc. COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale Group.

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