Why Heart Health Matters: The Hidden Crisis Affecting Black Women with Lupus

February marks Heart Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular disease and empowering communities to take charge of their well‑being. At the Charlie E. & Minnie P. Hendrix Foundation, this month carries special significance. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women, and African American women—especially those living with lupus—face a uniquely dangerous combination of risks that too often goes unrecognized.

This is more than a health statistic. It’s a community issue, a women’s issue, and a call to action.

The Heart Disease Burden on African American Women

Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States, but the burden is not evenly shared. African American women experience higher rates of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and stroke than nearly any other demographic group.

Key Statistics

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death for African American women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• In 2022, non-Hispanic Black Americans died from heart disease 35% more frequently than the total U.S. population (CDC).
• Black adults are diagnosed with hypertension 26% more often than the general population—one of the strongest predictors of heart disease (American Heart Association).
• African American women are more likely to develop heart disease at younger ages and often experience more severe complications.

These disparities are driven by a combination of biological, environmental, and systemic factors—including unequal access to care, chronic stress, and underdiagnosis.

 Lupus: A Silent Amplifier of Cardiovascular Risk

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that disproportionately affects women—and especially African American women. It causes the immune system to attack healthy tissues, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and even the heart.

What the Data Shows

• An estimated 1.5 million Americans live with lupus, and 90% are women, most between ages 15–44 (Lupus Foundation of America).
• African American women are three times more likely to develop lupus than white women.
• Approximately 1 in 250 African American women will develop lupus in their lifetime.
• Lupus significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, blood clots, and inflammation of the heart and blood vessels (National Institutes of Health).

This means African American women with lupus face a double burden: higher lupus prevalence and higher cardiovascular risk.

Why the Overlap Is So Dangerous

Lupus and heart disease share several overlapping pathways—chronic inflammation, vascular damage, and immune dysfunction. When combined with hypertension or high cholesterol, the risk multiplies.

Even more concerning:

Heart disease symptoms in women often look different than in men, and lupus can mask or mimic those symptoms. Fatigue, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or swelling may be dismissed as lupus-related rather than signs of cardiovascular trouble.

This leads to delayed diagnosis, delayed treatment, and preventable complications.

The Impact on Our Community

In cities like Detroit, where African American women make up a significant portion of the population, these health disparities have real consequences for families and neighborhoods. Women are often caregivers, community anchors, and leaders. When their health suffers, the ripple effects are profound.



The Charlie E. & Minnie P. Hendrix Foundation is committed to shining a light on these issues and empowering women with the knowledge and resources they need to protect their health.

 What Women Can Do During Heart Health Month

1. Know Your Numbers

• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Blood sugar
• Body mass index

2. Recognize Symptoms

Women’s heart symptoms can be subtle:

• Fatigue
• Chest pressure
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the jaw, back, or arms

3. Advocate for Yourself

If something feels wrong, speak up. Ask questions. Request tests. Seek second opinions.

4. Support Women with Lupus

Offer help, understanding, and encouragement. Lupus is often invisible but deeply impactful.

5. Share This Knowledge

Awareness saves lives. Conversations save lives. Community saves lives.

Moving Forward Together

Heart Health Month is a reminder that protecting our hearts is not just a personal responsibility—it’s a community effort. At the Charlie E. & Minnie P. Hendrix Foundation, we honor the legacy of Charlie E. and Minnie P. Hendrix by advocating for the health and well‑being of African American women and families.

By understanding the connection between lupus and heart disease, we can take meaningful steps toward prevention, early detection, and better outcomes.

Your heart matters. Your health matters. You matter.