Setting the Agenda for Research and Education on Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD) disproportionately affects the African American population with death and disability. The disparity in mortality continues to exist between the general population and African Americans despite decreases in death rates in both groups since the 1970s. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) is committed to developing and supporting research and activities that improve the health of African Americans through community partnership initiatives. One such initiative is the CHD in Blacks Project, developed to increase awareness of the adverse effects of CHD, encourage healthy lifestyle behaviors, and, among health professionals, ensure that the latest treatment guidelines from the NHLBI in high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and obesity are used. The NHLBI has also established a network of health professionals from across the country to assist in developing medical education programs and community education outreach activities in conjunction with the National Medical Association, the Association of Black Cardiologists, and the National Black Nurses Association.