Every year Black Americans die from preventable heart diseases and health issues at a rate two times higher than white adults. This is because America's health care system is not equal. As this year's Black History Month theme reminds us, all U.S. institutions operate from a foundation of white supremacy, and our health care system is no exception. From racism to implicit bias, many Black patients have a wholly different experience both inside and outside the doctor's office that can impact overall health.

So as we learn more this month about how to keep our heart healthy, let’s also reflect on the inequities that exists in our health care system for Black and other marginalized communities.
 
To learn more about racial inequities in health care, visit: