‘Hear Your Heart’ initiative aims to address HF disparities for Black, Latina women
A new health initiative will provide tailored resources for women with HF, particularly Black and Latina women, as part of an effort to reduce race and sex disparities in treatment and outcomes, according to an industry press release.
The Hear Your Heart initiative, developed and sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly, will provide educational content and offer perspectives from women living with HF, as well as insight from experts who treat the condition.
As Healio previously reported, women diagnosed with HF have worse outcomes compared with men. Traditional risk factors for HF, including hypertension, diabetes and smoking, also may be less prevalent in women compared with men, but when present portend a higher risk for HF in women compared with men.
Additionally, among Black and Latina women with HF, negative health outcomes are magnified due to significant health disparities and inequities that exist in management of the condition.
“The burden of this disease is compounded for Black and Latina women who face unique challenges and barriers that prevent optimal HF care,” Alanna Morris, MD, MSc, FHFSA, FACC, FAHA, associate professor of medicine in the division of cardiology at Emory University School of Medicine, said in the release. “I am proud to lend my voice to Hear Your Heart in support of a platform to address health equity issues in these underserved communities. It is time for the women who give so much to their families and communities to be encouraged to listen to what their heart needs, ask for support and take control of their heart failure care.”
The initiative also encourages women to be more proactive in their care and “be their own heart success advocate.” The website includes answers for common questions about HF management and offers advice for women looking to take a more active role in treatment. A “quick fact” sheet is also available for download.
"Individual support will look different for each person, but implementing lifestyle changes, prioritizing mental health and ensuring associated conditions are managed with diligent self-care and medication adherence are just a few important aspects of heart failure care," Morris said in the release. "Improved management could also include seeking a second opinion, asking for a referral to a specialist or connecting with a local advocacy group for added support."
Hear Your Heart is planned grow to include programming and resources for health care providers and medical students, according to the release. Spanish language resources will be available later in 2022.
For more information, visit www.hfhearyourheart.com.
Collapse
Read more about