Menu

Heart Disease Is Hitting Us Hard—Why Black Voices Must Be in Clinical Trials

In a compelling and heartfelt Facebook Live, BDO’s Clinical Trials Editor Taylyn Washington-Harmon sat down with Dr. Jayne Morgan, a renowned cardiologist and VP of Medical Affairs at Hello Heart, for an eye-opening discussion on heart health in the Black community. From high blood pressure to heart disease and the clinical trials that shape our treatments, this conversation pulled back the curtain on issues that impact millions but are often overlooked.

Dr. Morgan broke it down: Black people are at a significantly higher risk for hypertension and heart disease, yet many don’t even know it. Screening saves lives, she said, stressing how early detection and small changes can lead to major health wins. While cardiologists like her step in during crisis moments, it’s the everyday choices of the patient—diet, exercise, regular checkups—that truly hold the power of prevention.

Featured on BlackDoctor

The conversation took a deeper turn when Dr. Morgan addressed the painful truth about why so many Black people mistrust the medical system. From being experimented on without consent to being operated on against their will, the history is dark—but it’s real. That legacy of abuse still haunts clinical trials today, where Black participation remains dangerously low.

Clinical trials are how we get our medicine, Dr. Morgan emphasized. If we’re not part of the trials, we’re not part of the solution. And without representation—especially the glaring absence of Black female cardiologists—our communities continue to be underserved and overlooked.

This wasn’t just a talk. It was a wake-up call. Dr. Morgan urged viewers to get screened, ask questions, and consider joining clinical trials—not just for themselves, but for future generations. Because heart health is about more than medicine—it’s about equity, trust, and taking back control of our health.

Watch the complete Facebook Live and hear directly from the experts here.

Related Stories
Answer the question below
What areas do you try to improve in spring?

Get our Weekly Newsletter

Stay informed on the latest breakthroughs in family health and wellness. Sign up today!

By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.

More from BlackDoctor

Where Culture Meets Care

BlackDoctor is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically for the Black community. BlackDoctor understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BlackDoctor gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.
✦ AI Search Disclaimer
This AI-powered search tool helps you find relevant health articles from the BlackDoctor.org archive. Please keep the following in mind:
✦ For Informational Purposes Only
The information provided through this AI search is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
✦ Always Consult a Healthcare Provider
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read through this search tool. If you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
✦ AI Limitations
This search tool uses artificial intelligence to help match your queries with articles in our archive. While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated results may occasionally be incomplete, outdated, or not fully relevant to your specific situation.
✦ No Doctor-Patient Relationship
Using this search tool does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and BlackDoctor.org or any healthcare provider.
Explore over 35,000 articles and videos across black health, wellness, lifestyle and culture
Full AI Search Experience >
×

Download PDF

Enter your name and email to receive the download link.

BlackDoctor AI Search