Heart Health Glossary: Key Terms Every Black Man Should Know
Understanding heart health begins with knowing the right terms. Here’s a glossary of essential heart health keywords to help you navigate medical conversations and take control of your well-being.
A - C
Atherosclerosis – A condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, narrowing them and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Blood Pressure – The force of blood pushing against artery walls. High blood pressure (hypertension) increases the risk of heart disease.
Cholesterol – A fatty substance in the blood. Too much LDL ("bad" cholesterol) can clog arteries, while HDL ("good" cholesterol) helps remove it.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) – A condition where the heart doesn’t pump blood as well as it should, leading to fatigue and swelling.
D - H
Diabetes – A disease that affects blood sugar levels and increases the risk of heart disease. Black men are disproportionately affected.
Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) – A test that records the electrical activity of the heart to detect heart problems.
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) – A blockage in the coronary arteries that prevents blood from reaching the heart, causing heart muscle damage.
Heart Failure – A chronic condition where the heart weakens and can’t pump blood effectively.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) – A major risk factor for heart disease, common in Black men. Often called the "silent killer" because it has no symptoms.
I - O
Inflammation – The body’s response to injury or disease. Chronic inflammation can damage blood vessels and contribute to heart disease.
LDL & HDL Cholesterol – LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is "bad" cholesterol, while HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is "good" cholesterol that helps remove excess fat from the bloodstream.
Obesity – A condition linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Nearly 50% of Black men are classified as obese.
P - S
Plaque – A mix of fat, cholesterol, and other substances that build up in arteries, leading to atherosclerosis.
Prehypertension – Elevated blood pressure that isn’t high enough to be classified as hypertension but still poses a risk.
Stroke – A medical emergency where blood flow to the brain is blocked, often caused by high blood pressure or plaque buildup.
Statins – Medications used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Systolic & Diastolic Pressure – The top (systolic) and bottom (diastolic) numbers in a blood pressure reading. 120/80 mmHg is considered normal.
T - Z
Triglycerides – A type of fat in the blood that, when elevated, increases heart disease risk.
Vascular Disease – Any condition that affects blood vessels, including arteries and veins, often leading to heart problems.
Weight Management – Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise to reduce the risk of heart disease and hypertension.
Why This Matters
As a Black man, knowing these terms can help you advocate for yourself, ask informed questions, and take proactive steps toward heart health. Understanding medical language ensures you’re equipped to make the best choices for your long-term well-being.
Let’s protect our hearts and take control of our health—one term at a time!
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Disclaimer
Heart, Body & Soul (HBS) provides health education and resources to support the well-being of men of color, but we are not medical professionals. The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medical treatment plan.