Heart Health, Access, and At-Home Solutions: Breaking Barriers for Black Communities

February is Heart Health Month and Black History Month—two observances that, while distinct, are deeply connected. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and Black Americans are affected at higher rates (CDC, 2024). Systemic barriers—such as limited healthcare access, medical bias, and social factors—make it harder for Black individuals to receive early diagnosis and treatment for heart conditions.

At Ash, we believe that proactive, accessible healthcare can help close the gap. At-home heart health screening programs allow individuals to detect risks early, manage chronic conditions, and overcome obstacles to care—right from home.

The Reality of Heart Disease in Black Communities

Health disparities continue to put Black Americans at higher risk for heart disease, stroke, and related conditions.

• Black adults are 54% more likely to die from heart disease compared to white adults (Tulane, 2023).
• Black Americans experience strokes at twice the rate of white Americans and are more likely to suffer long-term disabilities from them. (NCBI, 2023)
• Nearly 60% of Black men and women have high blood pressure, yet they are less likely to receive proper treatment due to gaps in healthcare. (AHA, 2024)

These disparities are not due to genetics alone but are deeply rooted in systemic issues, including:

• Medical bias – Black patients are less likely to be prescribed necessary heart medications (Healthline, 2022).
• Healthcare access – Fewer Black Americans have consistent primary care providers, making preventative care difficult (KFF, 2024).
• Economic barriers – Higher rates of uninsured individuals lead to delayed diagnoses and untreated conditions (KFF, 2024).

At-home healthcare can be a powerful tool in helping address the disparities Black communities face, providing a private, convenient, and affordable way to track risk factors and make informed decisions.

How At-Home Testing Improves Heart Health

1. Early Detection Saves Lives

Heart disease often develops silently, with no symptoms until a major event like a heart attack or stroke - 40% of adults with high cholesterol don’t know they have it and therefore go untreated (ABC, 2023).  Regular testing helps detect risk factors early, allowing for lifestyle changes or medical intervention before a crisis occurs. Providing at-home sample collection allows flexibility for patients to engage in screenings when, and where, works best for them. 

Our Heart Health Panel, one of the most common tools our partners utilize, looks at several key factors that can affect heart health:

• LDL ("bad" cholesterol) & HDL ("good" cholesterol) – High LDL increases heart disease risk, while HDL protects against it (CDC, 2024).
• Total Cholesterol & Triglycerides – High levels raise the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease (CDC, 2024).
• HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) – Measures blood sugar levels over time, crucial for diabetes-related heart risks (CDC, 2024).
• hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) – A marker of inflammation that signals a higher risk for heart disease (AHA, 2019).

By catching these warning signs early, individuals have more time to find solutions that can prevent serious complications down the road.

2. Managing Chronic Heart Conditions

For those already diagnosed with high cholesterol, hypertension, or diabetes, consistent monitoring is key. Many Black Americans face barriers to regular doctor visits, whether due to cost, location, or medical mistrust (Commonwealth Fund, 2024). At-home health screenings provide an easy way to track health without needing frequent in-person appointments.

This is especially important for conditions like:

• High Blood Pressure – Nearly 6 in 10 Black adults have hypertension, yet treatment rates remain lower than in white communities (AHA, 2024).
• Diabetes – Black Americans are 40% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than white Americans, increasing heart disease risk (OMH, 2025).

At-home Cholesterol and Heart Health Panels allow individuals to track these key indicators and adjust lifestyle, diet, or medications as needed.

3. Expanding Access to Heart Health Screening and Monitoring

Healthcare access remains one of the biggest barriers to better heart health for Black Americans. Many live in areas with fewer healthcare providers, and research shows Black patients often face discrimination and delayed care in traditional medical settings (Commonwealth Fund, 2024).

At-home health solutions help address these challenges by:

✔ Eliminating the need for frequent doctor visits
✔ Providing privacy and control over health data
✔ Offering a cost-effective alternative to in-clinic testing

By making preventive care easier and more accessible, Ash empowers individuals to take proactive steps toward a strong heart—on their own terms.

Taking Charge of Heart Health

This Heart Health Month, let’s work toward a future where everyone has the opportunity for lifesaving heart care. At-home health solutions are a small but powerful step toward improving heart health, preventing disease, and closing health gaps.

This Black History Month, let’s honor Black health, resilience, and empowerment by prioritizing heart health for all. ❤️

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‍If you would like to learn more about how at home health solutions increase healthcare access, want to hear about our other offerings, or want to partner in this important endeavour, you can reach out to us here.