Cardiovascular disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in this country and blacks suffer disproportionately high rates of CHD morbidity and mortality. Mortality rates are 37% higher for African-American(AA) men and 67% higher for AA women with CHD. Hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes are 30% higher in AA’s. The etiology of observed disparities are multifactoral, including lack of access to culturally relevant secondary prevention. Behaviors that increase the risk of developing CHD - smoking, sedentary, stress and diets high in saturated fat - are common in the AA community.
Previously we demonstrated that a biopsychosocial intervention (Heart and Sole) [exercise, nutrition, relaxation techniques and cognitive/behavioral strategies] achieved significant improvement pre/post intervention in: blood pressure, lipids, glucose levels, weight, exercise capacity, lifestyle behaviors, anxiety, depression, social support and quality of life. These improvements were maintained over 5 years. Additionally, 37% of subjects required less or no BP medication. Recently we reported outcomes from Heart and Sole that achieved reductions in secondary endpoints [e.g. BP, lipids] comparable to the regression literature.
The Roxbury Heart Center is in the heart of one Boston AA community, and provides culturally relevant/accessible diagnostic, disease management and preventive cardiology services. We now report on the implementation of Heart and Sole at the Roxbury Heart Center, specially, the lessons learned in adapting this successful program to be culturally relevant and accessible in this community, as well as outcomes. A full array of biopsychosocial outcome data are being collected.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Community-Based Health Promotion, Heart Disease
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Roxbury Heart Center
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed as a nurse practitioner at the Roxbury Heart Center and grant manager for the DPH Chronic Disease Prevention Grant for Underserved Population at RoxComp.