02/23/2026
Healthy Heart Month: Heart Health in Native American Communities
February is Healthy Heart Month — a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and empower individuals and families with information to protect heart health. While heart disease affects all populations in the United States, Native American communities experience unique risks and disparities that make heart health particularly vital for tribal nations.
Heart Disease: A Leading Health Concern
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death among American Indian and Alaska Native adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the number one cause of death in this group, closely followed by cancer and unintentional injuries.
Research shows that American Indian and Alaska Native populations bear a heavy burden of cardiovascular disease, with many deaths occurring at younger ages compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Studies indicate that over one-third of cardiovascular deaths occur before age 65 among Native populations, a significantly higher proportion compared to other groups.
Disparities in Heart Attack and Heart Failure Risk
Emerging research highlights worrying trends in heart attack and heart failure for Indigenous adults:
* A study presented by the American Heart Association found that American Indian and Alaska Native adults had a higher rate of premature heart attack deaths, with about 23% of heart attack deaths classified as premature, compared to roughly 15% among other racial groups.
* In communities studied by the Strong Heart Study, rates of heart failure among American Indian adults have been estimated at two to three times higher than those observed in Black, Hispanic, or white populations, especially when factors like Type 2 diabetes and kidney damage are present.
Underlying Risk Factors
Several modifiable risk factors contribute to elevated cardiovascular risk in Native American populations. These include:
* Obesity – Native Americans experience higher obesity prevalence linked to diet and lifestyle challenges.
* Type 2 Diabetes – Approximately 1 in 4 Native adults has Type 2 diabetes, which significantly increases heart disease risk.
* Smoking and To***co Use – Rates of current cigarette smoking among Indigenous adults remain high, compounding heart disease risk.
* High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol – These conditions are common contributors to heart disease and require ongoing management.
These risk factors do not exist in isolation. They are shaped by broader social determinants of health, including access to nutritious foods, physical activity opportunities, stable housing, economic inequality, and historical trauma, all contributing to health disparities in Native communities.
Community Health and Prevention
The good news is that heart disease is preventable. During Healthy Heart Month, Osage Nation Health System encourages community members to:
* Know Your Numbers: Regularly check blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels.
* Choose Heart-Healthy Foods: Increase access to fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and traditional foods.
* Stay Active: Aim for regular physical activity that fits your lifestyle and traditions.
* Quit To***co Use: Seek support programs to reduce or stop smoking and to***co use.
* Manage Stress: Practices that support emotional, spiritual, and cultural well-being are protective for heart health.
Looking Ahead
Addressing cardiovascular disparities requires culturally responsive care, community-led health initiatives, and continued support for preventive health education. During Healthy Heart Month and beyond, Osage Nation Health System remains committed to heart health, honoring tradition while promoting wellness and longevity for all tribal members.
