Strategies for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Rural Southern African American Communities

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a commonly recognized umbrella term encompassing conditions, disease or disorders of the heart and/or blood vessels that may result in impairment of optimal cardiovascular functioning. CVD is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States, as well as in both developed and developing nations. Although the risk for CVD in the United States may vary according to and fluctuate within certain demographic, educational, behavioral and socio-economic characteristics, disparities in CVD prevention and treatment continue to ensue, particularly within minority populations. This gap in CVD disparity is further increased in regard to African American women living in rural southern communities. Demographic, socioeconomic and neighborhood characteristics are suggested to converge within rural African American communities to additively influence CVD risk.