TOP 10 [Dr.S.1] DISEASES THAT DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFLICT BLACK AMERICANS
Black Americans are at a higher riskfor diabetes mellitus, sickle-cell anemia, stroke, heart disease, cancer, asthma, pneumonia, HIV/AIDS,influenza, and high blood pressure than the general American population.
- Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which the body either cannot produce the hormone insulin in the pancreas or cannot properly use the insulin it produces. Insulin isa main anabolic hormone of the human body. In other words, it regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins by promoting the absorption of glucose from the blood into the liver, fat and skeletal muscle cells. Black Americans are afflicted by diabetes at more than triple the rate of the general population. Diabetes may not be a primary killer, but its related complications includea wide range of deadly and debilitating conditions, fromkidney disease to amputations ofa lower extremity.
A standard A1C can be ineffectivewhen screeningBlack Americans for diabetes,so fasting and glucose tolerance testsare common alternatives. Maintaining a healthy lifestyleand a balanced diet with daily exercise lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Sickle Cell Anemia
1 out of 13 Black babies in America are born with sickle cell traits, and 42% die before they reach the age of four. Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease which causes red blood cellsto adopt aC-shape that prevents them fromflowing freely through the blood vessels.
American law requires that all infants be screened for sickle cell anemia at birth. Genetic tests also allow for early diagnosis by thetenth week of pregnancy. There is no cure for sickle cell anemia, but treatment can prevent both pain and other complications of the disease.
- Stroke
Black Americans are afflicted by strokes (caused by vascular disease)at a younger age and about twice as frequently as the general population.Strokes are often deadly, and those who survive often experience ongoing difficulties and disabilities.
There are many diagnostic technologies that screen for a risk of stroke: color ultrasound Doppler technology, metabolic and lipid panel, C-reactive protein (CRP) test, electrocardiogram, glucose tests, and body mass index (BMI) assessments.Regular exercise and a balanced, nutritious diet are the best ways to prevent stroke.
- Heart Diseases
Coronary artery disease is but one of the many heart diseases that disproportionately afflict Black Americans. Approximately 655,000 peopledie of heart disease each year in America. In other words, one quarter of all the deaths in America are caused by diseases of the heart. Black Americans are 30% more likely to develop a heart disease.
There are many diagnostic technologies that screen for a heart disease: blood tests for inflammation,electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and ultrasound exercise stress tests. An active lifestyle and a healthy diet are the best ways to prevent heart disease.
- Cancer
Black Americans are 50% more likely to develop lung cancer. Black women under the age of 35 are twice as likely to develop breast cancer and three times as likely to die from it.
Cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and can move to other parts of the body. For this reason, where the cancer is located is a key factor in how it is diagnosed. Some cancers, like cervical cancer, have been linked to diseases for which we have vaccines (HPV). Ask your doctor about the available prescription options and avoid high-risk behaviors like smoking and sunbathing to reduce the risk of cancer.
- Asthma
Black Americans are disproportionately afflicted by asthma because of the poor air quality, heavy pollutants, and deadly mold endemic to many Black neighborhoods. Asthma is a disease of the lungs that involves the narrowing of airways and causes breathing difficulties.
A spirometer is the most common tool to screen for asthma. Its symptoms, namely shortness of breath, coughing, and sneezing, can be treated with medication.
- Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a common lung disease that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Mucus accumulates inside the lungs and makes breathing difficult. Most healthy people recover from pneumonia on their own, but it is frequently deadly to the elderly and infirm.
A physical exam, chest X-ray and medical history are used to diagnose pneumonia. Vaccination and frequent handwashing are effective preventions.
- HIV/AIDS
Black Americans account for 42% of HIV diagnoses. HIV is a virus transmitted through human bodily fluids that attacks the body’s immune system. If left untreated, it can develop into deadly AIDS, when the body’s immune system is incapable of fighting off disease.When treated, people with HIV can live relatively normal lives. There is no cure.
NATs can diagnose the presence of HIV in a person’s bloodstream in 10-33 days from exposure.The best way to prevent HIV is to always practice safe sex and to never share a needle.
- High Blood Pressure
One out of three Black Americans suffers from high blood pressure (hypertension), a condition associated with many other deadly conditions like stroke and heart disease.
Blood pressure is measured with a sphygmomano meter (blood pressure cuff). Many pharmacies have mechanical versions available for customers at no charge. A healthy, balanced diet and active lifestyle prevent high blood pressure.
- Influenza
Influenza (the flu) affects Black Americans more severely than other Americans.
Viral Cultures, immune-florescence, RIDTS, rapid molecular assays, and serological tests are common screening tests for influenza. Vaccination, regular hand-washing, and social distancing are effective preventive measures.
References
Tull, E. S., & Roseman, J. M. (1995). Diabetes in African Americans. Diabetes in America, 2, 613-30.https://www.orau.gov/cdcynergy/web/db/Content/activeinformation/resources/DB_Diabetes_in_African_Americans.pdf
