The relatively high prevalence of cardiovascular disease among African Americans

The death rate from heart and blood vessel disease among African Americans is 33.6% higher among African American men and 38.5% higher among African American women. (U.S. 2003: American Heart Association). Excessive rates of hypertension, psychosocial and socio-environmental stresses contribute to high rate of CVD morbidity and mortality in this population. According to Tennessee Primary Care Association in Davidson County, health statistics indicate that African-Americans in north Nashville die from heart disease and diabetes at significantly higher rates than do whites or African-Americans in other parts of the state. The purpose of this study is to identify cardiovascular health compromising behaviors or risk factors among African Americans and to test the relative efficacy of an educational program on the risk factors and prevention of CVD through lifestyle modification. To promote the adoption of effective cardiovascular disease prevention programs for African Americans and to identify the different levels of acquisition and change of the desired behavior. Results indicate that African Americans in this study continue to demonstrate high risk for cardiovascular disease and still have problems with managing their modifiable risk factors