Group gets out word on blacks, health care

Art Nadler

Thursday, Aug. 5, 1999 | 9:10 a.m.

Black Americans have the highest incidence of diabetes and hypertension in the United States and probably don't know it, a national organization of African-American physicians says.

The National Medical Association, representing more than 20,000 black physicians and health professionals, is meeting in Las Vegas Sunday through Aug. 13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The organization's goal is to educate blacks about their health risks and inform them of what preventive measures are needed.

"The incidence of hypertension among African Americans is double that of whites," Dr. Robert Wesley, a Las Vegas cardiologist, said. "As a result, their risks of getting a stroke or heart attack is much higher. Hypertension is a silent killer. You usually don't know you have it until it's too late."

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, could lead to a rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, Wesley said. Medications -- some specifically formulated for blacks -- can help, he said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that diabetes among blacks is 70 percent higher than among whites. The Atlanta-based health organization also concluded that the five-year survival rate for cancer among blacks diagnosed from 1986-92 was 44 percent, compared to 59 percent for whites.

"Access to health care and availability of insurance is an important factor," Wesley said. "There is a tremendous lack of access to health care among African Americans."

Wesley said many blacks have jobs where their employers don't offer health insurance. And, because of their low wages, they can't afford to purchase plans that are offered, he said.

"It comes down to going to the doctor, or putting food on the table," Wesley said. "Many African Americans can't afford to do both. In this town, there are a lot of unskilled people, and the employers don't offer health insurance."

A Georgetown University Medical Center study that was released in February points out other shortcomings in the nation's health care delivery systems. It found that physicians themselves are contributing to disparities in how blacks and women are treated for heart disease.

The study showed that only 60 percent of blacks and women who experienced chest pain in comparison to white males were referred for cardiac catheterization.

Cardiac catheterization uses X-rays to determine whether there are blockages in the coronary arteries that feed flood to the heart.

The study showed that referrals were even less for black women -- 40 percent of those for white males.

There were 720 physicians nationwide who participated in the study.

Wesley said he didn't totally agree with the Georgetown study, but encouraged patients to file complaints with the Nevada Board of Medical Examiners, if they feel they are being discriminated against. He said patients could also lodge a complaint with the hospital where a physician practices.

In conjunction with the convention, the National Medical Association is conducting free health screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes and coronary risk factors from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Doolittle Community Center, 1950 J St.

For information about the screenings, call 229-6374.