Identifying Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a High-Risk Community: Strategies to Address Cardiovascular Health Disparities

National health care data consistently reveal a significant disparity in the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, morbidity and mortality among African-Americans and Latinos, especially in low socioeconomic communities. Community-based outreach screening programs have been described as an essential component of strategies to address cardiovascular health disparities. However, no prior study has documented the ability of these programs to accurately identify the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in high-risk communities or provide population specific (ethnicity, gender) data within a community. In this cross-sectional study of Central Harlem residents in New York City, based on data obtained from a community outreach program, we have collected and analyzed various clinical parameters to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors within the Harlem community. We have observed that a high percentage of African- Americans have hypertension, obesity and smoking habits as compared to other ethnic groups. African- American women are significantly more likely to have obesity and dyslipidemia than African- American men. In addition, we have identified a concerning subpopulation of community residents who report not having a primary care doctor and therefore have limited access to regular medical care. The study results correspond to nationally collected data which validate the findings and demonstrate the outreach program’s ability to accurately identify cardiovascular risk factors in a high-risk community. These findings further emphasis the importance of community outreach programs in addressing cardiovascular health disparities by educating and motivating populations affected by disparities and performing community-based data collection which can guide intervention strategies.