Heart disease poses serious health challenges for patients that may lead to fatal complications if left untreated. For the Haitian population, there is a high level of risk of heart disease for persons over the age of 45 because they are affected by a variety of circumstances that negatively influence their health, many of which are associated with a high prevalence of hypertension, many cases which are undiagnosed (Kenerson, 2014). As many as 45 percent of Haitians have hypertension and require medication to overcome the challenges of this chronic condition and the increased risk of heart disease, particularly for persons over the age of 45 years (Kenerson, 2014). Heart disease in the Haitian population poses a critical challenge for many reasons and impacts how individuals manage their health; however, many do not possess the level of knowledge and understanding of the risk factors of heart disease to improve their prevention efforts. This requires an improved understanding of the Haitian lifestyle, how cultural and language barriers may limit progress, and how outreach and prevention must be expanded to improve disease management among members of this population.
One of the primary focus areas of Healthy People 2020 is Heart Disease and Stroke because it is the primary cause of death in the United States and affects approximately one out of every three persons (85.6 million) across different age and population groups (Healthypeople.gov, 2016). Therefore, it is necessary to expand the understanding of cardiovascular disease risk factors and chronic conditions which may contribute to disease development in different people (Healthypeople.gov, 2016). There are many disparities that exist across different population groups based upon gender, race, ethnicity, and the ability to obtain timely treatment (Healthypeople.gov, 2016). Therefore, it is necessary to identify ways of improving patient outcomes and in performing outreach to members of different population groups who may be limited by cultural or language barriers, along with other challenges that may prohibit treatment that could impact their quality of life and mortality rates.
The Haitian population faces numerous health risks that impact their wellbeing in different ways. One of the critical factors which poses a risk of heart disease is hypertension, which is prevalent within this population and which has a potentially devastating impact on health (Pierce, Shannon, Sonnenfeld, Pearlmutter, Previl, & Forrester, 2014). An early diagnosis of hypertension is necessary to begin treatment and improve outcomes, but this is not typically the case and may pose a risk of more serious complications, such as heart attack and stroke (Pierce et.al, 2014). Haitians with hypertension often possess limited knowledge regarding the disease; therefore, the development of Best Possible Practice (BPP) models of care are necessary to facilitate greater knowledge, support, and guidance between patients and care providers (Kenerson, 2014).
This practice requires the continued development of programs designed to educate this population and to provide them with the tools required to prevent heart disease, particularly as they become older (Kenerson, 2014). Haitians who have immigrated to the United States often experience high rates of obesity, which is an additional contributing factor to the risk of heart disease and may be caused by factors such as high stress, anxiety, limited physical activity, and poor diet that are difficult to overcome (Tovar, Must, Metayer, Gute, Pirie, Hyatt, & Economos, 2013). This reflects the importance of understanding the factors associated with heart disease and how to improve disease management through improvements in lifestyle and higher levels of community-based support and open communication with patients to minimize or prevent risk factors (Tovar et.al, 2013).
Expanding health promotion for members of the Haitian population over age 45 to prevent and/or manage heart disease is of critical importance to their overall health and wellbeing. This reflects the importance of developing a strategy that will be effective in reaching this population, breaking down barriers, and providing education and treatment directly to residents within their communities. This requires and understanding of the risk factors associated with heart disease and the ability to conduct lifestyle changes to improve overall health and wellbeing for this population.
The Haitian population requires the knowledge, support, and guidance of healthcare providers to facilitate positive health outcomes. This requires the elimination of language barriers and an exploration of the key factors which influence outcomes for patients. Furthermore, understanding the needs of this population and allowing them to express their concerns to healthcare providers may be beneficial in achieving a greater sense of comfort and understanding of heart disease and their own risk factors. This practice must demonstrate the importance of communication and comfort as critical in reducing risk factors and in advancing knowledge of the disease.
The Haitian population faces a high risk of heart disease, particularly as they age. Hypertension is a critical risk factor for this population which impacts their health in different ways. Therefore, it is necessary to establish an understanding of these risk factors and how this population might be impacted by improvements in education and outreach to reduce risk factors. It is necessary to establish an education and prevention program within the Haitian community to reduce the risk of heart disease and will minimize language barriers, improve communication, and provide treatment as necessary to improve health outcomes for this population.
