Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, yet millions of Americans still lack reliable access to preventive heart care. Black families are especially affected, facing higher risks and fewer resources.
The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC), led by President Anthony Fletcher, MD, is confronting this crisis through its Every Heart Counts: ABC Cardiology Deserts Campaign.
Table of Contents
What Are Cardiology Deserts
Dr. Fletcher describes a cardiology desert as “a community where people don’t have reliable, timely access to cardiologists or preventive cardiovascular care.” These deserts exist in both rural and urban settings. In rural areas, patients may travel long distances to see a specialist, while in cities, socioeconomic barriers and overburdened health systems often block access.
Barriers Beyond Distance
Even proximity to a clinic does not guarantee care. A recent ABC survey found that:
- One in four adults must travel 10 to 20 miles to see a heart specialist, particularly in Louisiana, Arkansas, Georgia, and Mississippi.
- Twenty two percent of respondents said they tried but could not secure a cardiology appointment.
- Nearly one in five Black adults have never received a basic heart screening.
Knowledge gaps add to the challenge. Forty percent of Americans surveyed had no prior awareness of the two major types of cholesterol. HDL is commonly referred to as good cholesterol, and LDL is commonly referred to as bad cholesterol. Among Black respondents, that number rose to 54 percent. Only about one third of adults know their own cholesterol levels.
Changing Perceptions Through Trusted Voices
Dr. Fletcher notes that heart health involves more than treatment after a diagnosis; prevention is essential. Survey findings show that one in five adults believe they do not need heart care, with an emphasized prevalence among older adults, rural residents, and women. In response, ABC works with local leaders, churches, and community organizations to encourage screenings and preventive care. Fletcher explains that these community voices help make heart health feel safe and achievable.
Supporting Primary Care Providers
In many under-resourced areas, primary care providers are the only option for heart health. ABC equips them with training, tools, and resources to identify risks earlier and connect patients to appropriate care. With seed sponsorship support from Amgen, the campaign is already active in Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi, states where the need for preventive care is most urgent.
Building Long Term Change
For communities historically excluded from heart health conversations, long term change means breaking cycles of crisis care. ABC’s goal is to move from emergency interventions to sustained, equitable access to preventive screenings and education that reflect lived experiences.
A Call to Black Families
The numbers are shocking, nearly one in five Black adults have never received a cardiovascular screening. That means millions may be living with hidden risks. Dr. Fletcher urges families to learn their heart health history, schedule annual screenings, and regularly check blood pressure and cholesterol. These simple steps, he says, “can be lifesaving.”
Cardiology deserts are a national crisis, but they do not have to be permanent. With trusted voices and equitable access, ABC’s Every Heart Counts campaign is working to ensure that every heart truly counts.
Resources:
Association of Black Cardiologists – Saving the hearts and minds of a diverse america
