Nearly 44 percent of African American men and 48 percent of African American women have some form of cardiovascular disease, which includes Heart Valve Disease (HVD). Yet many of these men and women are not aware they have this condition.
HVD is a degenerative condition that keeps the heart from functioning properly – either due to a narrowing of the heart valve or a leaky valve, which both restrict blood flow within the heart. If left untreated, men and women with HVD are at risk of serious complications, including heart failure, stroke, heart rhythm abnormalities, blood clots and even death.
However, there is good news!
Learn about the signs, symptoms and treatment options for heart valve disease by visiting heart.org/heartvalves.
HVD is treatable and it is
possible to live a good-quality life with this chronic condition. If caught early, you and your doctor may be able to manage your condition with healthy lifestyle changes and medications. In more severe cases, your doctor may recommend a minimally-invasive surgery, known as TAVR.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2011. This procedure treats severe narrowing of the aortic valve with a higher rate of success and much shorter recovery time than traditional valve replacement surgery.
The key to successful surgical outcomes and/or being able to manage HVD with healthy lifestyle changes and medications lies with early detection. Knowing where you stand – whether you have HVD, another form of heart disease, or are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease– is the first, important step toward good heart health.
Right now, I want to remind men everywhere how very much you mean to– your family and loved ones, your workplace, church, and community. Your leadership and contributions are invaluable. So, in honor of your many indispensable gifts, I challenge all men, especially fathers, to discuss HVD with your doctor and learn where you stand with cardiovascular disease.
I also invite you to extend your influence by joining the American Heart Association’s mission to reduce the number of VHD deaths in the African American community by becoming a heart valve champion. To join this movement, visit https://sharefromheart.heart.org/ and sign up to receive bi-monthly updates, new tools, and resources for HVD. Then help us spread the word.
Dr. Romeatrius Nicole Moss, DNP, RN, PHNA-BC
Born with a passion to serve others, Dr. Romeatrius Nicole Moss is an award-winning, philanthropist, community advocate, and International speaker. While maintaining a successful career as an active duty Air Force Nurse, currently holding the rank of Major, she is also a successful entrepreneur, owning several businesses, including RNM Marketing and Public Relations, Boss Nurse Club, Hot 104.5 the Nurses Station, Boss Nurse Scrubs, and founder of Black Nurses Rock.
American Heart Association EmPOWERED To Serve
Both Black Nurses Rock and the American Heart Association EmPOWERED To Serve program share the same mission to engage communities and motivate community members to take steps towards creating a culture of health, both individually and within their community.
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