Cardiovascular diseases (CVD)—like heart disease, stroke, and hypertension—are the most common causes of death globally and in the U.S.
CVD increased during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with nearly 700,000 deaths attributable to CVD in the U.S. in 2020 according to CDC estimates. Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations experienced a disproportionate rise in CVD mortality. Work by the NIH suggests that these groups “have been most impacted by the indirect effects of the pandemic,” and that there needs to be public health strategies “to mitigate the adverse effects of the pandemic on the cardiovascular health of diverse populations.” And even though rates of CVD have dropped over the past 20 years, researchers have found that inequities remain and are mostly driven by differences in race and ethnicity, geographic location, and access to care, among other factors.
That’s where PAGNY’s work with NYC Health + Hospitals comes in. By partnering with community health clinics and public hospitals throughout NYC, PAGNY physicians increase access to important preventative care for groups most impacted by CVD.
Fortunately, the main causes of CVD are modifiable factors. We have the tools to stay heart healthy! In fact, over half of CVD deaths could be stopped by mitigating dietary risk factors.
The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests 8 approaches to a heart-healthy lifestyle:
- Stay active
- Keep a healthy weight
- Learn about cholesterol
- Do not smoke or use smokeless tobacco
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Keep blood pressure healthy
- Learn about blood sugar and diabetes
Whether in The Cardiac Catheterization Lab at NYC H+H/Coney Island or in Gotham Health, Syndeham’s Diabetic Learning and Support Program, PAGNY’s mission-driven physicians meet people where they are. We care deeply about our patients, and we are proud to provide accessible, high-quality health care for our communities.
