Wichita family’s tale reveals heart disease risks in Black History Month
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – February is Black History Month and we’re highlighting local stories all month long, starting with heart health, since Black Americans face a higher risk of heart disease.
A Wichita family with strong community ties and a family history of heart disease dating back generations is now sharing their story. The Love family may be known for their music, but they’re also a force on the basketball court. It was the love for the game that revealed an unknown family health condition.
Bob Love, his sister Peggy and niece Rachelle share their story of loss and discovery. Family tragedy strikes on the court. “One minute he was playing, they say he was doing his regular thing, he took a jump shot and took two steps and fell,” Bob Love said. Bob’s brother Joe died that day in 1977. Doctors said it was his heart. “Either Joe must’ve knew something was wrong, because he had a pill bottle in his pocket and it had something to do with blood pressure or heart medicine,” Bob Love said.
Thirteen years later, Peggy’s 17-year-old son Michael Kates died after he collapsed playing basketball. Doctors said it was his heart. “I actually have the death certificate that says that it was nothing wrong with his heart. Had he not overexerted it, he would be fine,” Peggy Love said. “The ghost in the machine, that’s what we named it, because you don’t know what it is. It just pops up when it feels like it,” Bob Love said.
Dreams interrupted by health concerns
Rachelle had dreams of playing for a Division One college and the WNBA. She started chasing her dream at Barton Community College. “I could shoot backwards and it would make it,” Rachelle Love said. Then she started to see concerning signs. They sent her to a cardiologist.
Medical expert explains higher risks
Thoracic surgeon Dr. Quiana Kern said heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S., and the Black community is at a higher risk. “30 percent of Americans do have heart disease, and 60 percent of Black patients are more likely to die from heart disease,” Dr. Kern said. Dr. Kern said a number of factors are to blame.
“There is some evidence out there that shows that Black patients are more susceptible to the effects of salt. They’re more sensitive to it, which leads to high blood pressure, with hypertension being one of the number one heart disease. The other factors that play in it is race, which is actually a social factor, because race tells a lot about where you live, how you live,” Dr. Kern said. Genetics also play a role. Dr. Kern said more patients need to be more open with family members about health issues that are often kept private.
Prevention is key
It’s important to see a doctor if you aren’t feeling well, and to eat healthy and exercise. Your heart depends on it. “I told my doctor I want to be on preventative maintenance. We get our oil changed and checked every three months, we need to make sure we’re checking to do everything I can to stay healthy,” Rachelle Love said.
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