Empowering Black Health: Key Takeaways from My Uncommon Conversation with Dr. Clyde Yancy
Healthy Heart by Leon Zernitsky
On a recent episode of the Espresso Talk Today podcast, I had an extraordinary conversation with renowned cardiologist Dr. Clyde Yancy, who shared powerful insights about the state of Black health in America.
Listen to our latest episode here:
In our uncommon discussion, we dove deep into the connections between cardiovascular health, systemic racism, and Black empowerment—and what we as a community can do about it. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most important points that came out of our conversation.
The Truth About Black Health Disparities
It’s no secret that African Americans are hit hardest when it comes to heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. Dr. Yancy pointed out that while the medical world often attributes this to race, it’s not quite that simple. Race itself isn’t the root cause of these health disparities. Instead, it’s the experience of living while Black in America—marked by stress, economic hardship, and systemic barriers—that takes a toll on our bodies over time.
Racism isn’t just a social issue; it’s a health crisis. Dr. Yancy emphasizes that chronic stress from navigating a society filled with racism causes real biological harm. This stress fuels inflammation, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease—making us more vulnerable to heart attacks and strokes. But there’s more to this story: the lack of quality preventive care also keeps Black people from maintaining good health.
"Under Care": The Silent Disparity in Black Health
One of the most eye-opening concepts that Dr. Yancy shared with me is something he calls "under care." This happens when Black patients receive crisis care in emergencies (like heart attacks or strokes) but miss out on preventive, long-term care that could have stopped those crises from happening in the first place.
Here’s how under care shows up:
Chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes often go underdiagnosed and undertreated in Black communities.
Preventive care (like regular check-ups, blood pressure monitoring, and lifestyle counseling) is often lacking, meaning that by the time a problem is addressed, it’s already advanced.
Health education gaps leave Black patients unaware of their risk factors or how to manage them.
This cycle of under care leads to higher rates of hospitalizations and worse long-term outcomes. Dr. Yancy explained that for many African Americans, the first time they find out they have high blood pressure is when they’re being treated for a stroke or heart failure. We need to break this cycle by demanding better care and becoming more proactive about our health.
The Essential 8: Steps to Take Control of Your Health
Here’s some good news: 80% of cardiovascular disease is preventable.
Yes, you read that right! Despite any genetic predisposition you might have, your lifestyle plays the biggest role in your heart health. Dr. Yancy highlighted the American Heart Association’s "Essential 8" as the key steps you can take to drastically improve your health and live longer, healthier lives.
These eight steps are:
Don’t Smoke: Smoking is one of the biggest risks for heart disease and stroke.
Be Physically Active: You don’t have to run a marathon—just move your body! Walking and other simple exercises make a huge difference.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease. And here’s a tip from Dr. Yancy—try the 80% Rule. This means eating until you're about 80% full, rather than stuffing yourself until you’re completely full. People in the world’s healthiest communities follow this practice, which helps prevent overeating and supports long-term weight management. No more “Thanksgiving fullness” after meals!
Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Cut back on processed foods and sugars.
Know Your Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is often called a “silent killer” because many people don’t know they have it. Get yours checked regularly.
Know Your Cholesterol Levels: High cholesterol contributes to heart disease, but it’s easy to manage once you know your numbers.
Monitor Your Blood Sugar: Keeping blood sugar levels in check helps prevent diabetes and cardiovascular issues.
Get Enough Sleep: Aim for at least 7 hours of quality sleep every night to allow your body to heal and rejuvenate.
These simple but powerful steps can transform your heart health and dramatically lower your risk of serious diseases. They’re also a critical part of Black empowerment—because without health, there can be no true empowerment.
Be Your Own Health Advocate
Dr. Yancy stressed the importance of self-advocacy when it comes to your health. Don’t wait for a crisis to happen—pay attention to your body’s signals. If you experience symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, or swelling in your legs, it could be a sign of something serious. These are often dismissed as “normal” or just part of aging, but they may indicate heart failure or other cardiovascular issues. Don’t ignore these signs.
Take control of your health by asking your doctor questions, knowing your numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar), and pushing for the care you deserve—especially if you have a family history of heart disease.
Stress: The Hidden Threat to Black Health
One of the most important parts of our conversation was about stress. Dr. Yancy explained that stress isn’t just an emotion—it’s a biological factor that impacts your health. The chronic stress that many Black people face due to systemic racism and social inequality leads to inflammation, which damages your blood vessels and raises your risk of heart disease.
And here’s something even more heartbreaking: these effects start in childhood. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) like living in unstable single-parent households, witnessing substance abuse, or experiencing violence can set the stage for cardiovascular risk factors as early as adolescence. In fact, young Black women in their 30s already have some of the highest rates of hypertension.
It’s Never Too Late to Make a Change
Despite these challenges, Dr. Yancy left us with hope. It’s never too late to improve your health. Whether you’re already struggling with obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure, lifestyle changes can make a real difference. For example, losing just 10 kilograms (about 22 pounds) can reduce your blood pressure by 10 points—enough to lower your risk of heart failure.
Even if heart disease runs in your family, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can override your genetic predisposition. So don’t feel like you’re destined for poor health—you have the power to change your future.
A Call to Action: Take Control of Your Health
Dr. Yancy’s message is clear: Black health is not predetermined by race. By taking control of our health, addressing the social and environmental factors that impact us, and demanding better care, we can change the trajectory of Black health and empower ourselves and our communities.
Here’s your call to action: Know your health numbers, adopt the Essential 8, manage your stress, and be proactive about your health. These are the building blocks not just for a longer life but for true Black empowerment.
As we’ve discussed, improving health outcomes in the Black community is about more than just treating diseases—it’s about addressing the root causes and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy, empowered life. Let’s take charge of our health, for ourselves and for our future.
Conclusion
My conversation with Dr. Clyde Yancy provided invaluable insights into the connection between Black health and empowerment. By embracing the Essential 8 and becoming proactive advocates for our own health, we can not only improve our well-being but also strengthen our community.
Don’t miss this enlightening conversation—tune in to the full episode for more on how you can take control of your health and contribute to the collective empowerment of Black people.
