Cardiovascular Disease in African Americans and the African Diaspora in the US
By Leroy L. Cooper, PhD, MPH
This talk summarizes the most common cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, and highlights the disparities in cardiovascular diseases among Black Americans. Dr. Cooper also discusses disparities in cardiovascular risk factors – both biological and social – and ways to mitigate existing disparities. The talk ends with a short discussion of the relation of COVID-19 with cardiovascular diseases in the community.
This presentation was done in collaboration with Celebrating the African Spirit for our 2021 series of Juneteenth Health Talks, centering the health and safety of Black people today.
About Leroy L. Cooper, PhD, MPH
Leroy L. Cooper is an Assistant Professor of Biology and affiliate faculty in the Program in Science, Technology, and Society at Vassar College. Dr. Cooper is a cardiovascular epidemiologist and physiologist and is interested in the consequences of abnormal vascular function on vulnerable target organs like the brain, kidneys, and heart. In light of a rapidly aging population, the burden of vascular-associated diseases and disorders will increase substantially over the next years. Therefore, his research seeks to identify targets for disease prevention. Additionally, Dr. Cooper is interested in conducting research that addresses the reasons for the disproportionately high prevalence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease among ethnic and racial minorities. His ongoing research involves students and longstanding collaborators at the Framingham Heart Study and the Jackson Heart Study.