Special Edition Newsletter
Heart & History
Addressing Racial Disparities in Cardiovascular Health
We have partnered with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., to bring you this
Special Edition newsletter for Heart Health Month
February is Heart Health Month and an important time to elevate awareness, increase understanding and ultimately inspire action surrounding cardiovascular health. February is also Black History Month – a time to celebrate the achievements of Black Americans, recognize their contributions to our nation’s history and pay tribute to the generations of Black Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve equality in American society.

At the intersection of these observances lie profound and sobering data that show cardiovascular disease disproportionately affects Black Americans and illuminate the health inequities facing communities of color, placing those within these populations at greater risk for poor health outcomes.1

In the United States, Black individuals are disproportionately affected by coronary artery disease (CAD), due to several variables including socioeconomic factors and comorbid conditions,1 and experience higher mortality rates and rehospitalization rates as a result of CAD compared to White Americans.2 Additionally, significant health disparities exist in the prevalence, diagnosis and care of individuals with a lesser known, but serious condition called peripheral artery disease (PAD).3,4 Black Americans– who have a higher prevalence of asymptomatic PAD,3 less access to quality vascular care,4 and are at risk for delays in care3–are up to four times more likely to have an amputation as a result of PAD compared to White Americans.4

This February, let's work together to raise artery disease awareness. Addressing health disparities is the work of communities and corporations, parishes and policymakers. And it can also begin with you. Read on and visit www.clotwise.com for more information and resources that can help you recognize the signs and symptoms of artery disease. Talk to your doctor if you believe you or a loved one may be at risk.
Coronary and Peripheral Artery Disease Can Affect More Than Just Your Heart

More than 4 in 10 patients with CAD also have PAD.5 While different, it’s important to be aware of the potential connection between these two diseases.
Are You Feeling the (Artery) Flow
– Or Not?

Knowing your risk of CAD and PAD is the first step to reducing the chance of serious outcomes. Learn more about the risk factors and symptoms associated with CAD and PAD.
CAD
PAD
Dr. Geoffrey Barnes
Addressing the Leading Cause of Amputations Worldwide: A Discussion with Dr. Geoffrey Barnes

PAD is the leading cause of amputations worldwide, and Black Americans are up to four times more likely to have an amputation as a result of PAD compared to White Americans.4

Board-certified cardiologist and vascular medicine specialist Dr. Geoffrey Barnes sat down with Health Professional Radio to discuss this often underdiagnosed and undertreated condition.6
Dr. Richard Browne
Facing The Challenge: A Healthy Directions Presentation by
Dr. Richard E. Browne

Did you know that Black Americans are more than twice as likely to have PAD compared to White Americans? 7

Tune in February 23 from 6:30 to 7:30pm ET as Dr. Richard E. Browne, Medical Director of Cardiovascular Strategy at Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., leads a discussion on the importance of recognizing the threat and reducing the risks of PAD in Black Americans.
Preparing to Talk to Your Doctor: Asking the Right Questions

Having open conversations with your doctor can help you feel more confident in your treatment plan and better equipped to manage your artery disease. Prepare for your next appointment with a list of questions to consider when talking to your doctor about CAD and PAD.
CAD
PAD
Janssen’s Commitment to Advance Cardiovascular Care

At Janssen, we are committed to reducing health inequities in CAD and PAD through partnerships and initiatives that seek to educate patients, improve standards of care, and break down barriers to access.

We’re creating a future where disease is a thing of the past. We’re the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, working tirelessly to make that future a reality for patients everywhere by fighting sickness with science, improving access with ingenuity, and healing hopelessness with heart. Learn more at www.janssen.com
REFERENCES
1.     Carnethon MR, et al. Cardiovascular Health in African Americans: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2017;136:e393–e423. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000534
2.     Mochari-Greenberger H, et al. Racial and Ethnic Differences in Statin Prescription and Clinical Outcomes Among Hospitalized Patients With Coronary Heart Disease. Am J Cardio. 2014;113(3):413–417. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjcard.2013.10.010
3.     Winta Ghidei, Tracie C. Collins, "African Americans and Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Review Article", International Scholarly Research Notices, vol. 2012, Article ID 165653, 9 pages, 2012. https://doi.org/10.5402/2012/165653
4.     Creager MA, Matsushita K, Arya S, et al. Reducing nontraumatic lower-extremity amputations by 20% by 2030: time to get to our feet: a policy statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2021;143(17):e875-e891. doi:10.1161/CIR.000000000000096
5.     Peripheral Matters | Peripheral and Coronary Artery Disease: Two Sides of the Same Coin. American College of Cardiology. Accessed January 10, 2022 from https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/arti­cles/2019/09/14/24/42/peripheral
6.     Afzal N, Sohn S, Scott CG, Liu H, Kullo IJ, Arruda-Olson AM. Surveillance of Peripheral Arterial Disease Cases Using Natural Language Processing of Clinical Notes. AMIA Jt Summits Transl Sci Proc. 2017;2017:28-36. Accessed February 17, 2022 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5543345/#r2-2609862
7.     Facts About Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) for African Americans. National Institutes of Health. Accessed January 10, 2022 from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/heart/pad_extfactsheet_aa_508.pdf