Black Impact for Heart Health

This trial aims to determine if a church-based program called Black Impact can enhance heart health in Black men at risk for conditions like heart disease and diabetes. It will assess whether the program improves health measures such as blood pressure and cholesterol. Participants will be divided into two groups: one begins the program immediately, while the other waits 24 weeks. The trial suits Black men living in Birmingham, AL, who have received medical clearance for physical activities. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to community health initiatives and potentially improve heart health.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

Research has shown that the Black Impact program aims to improve heart health in Black men by combining exercise and health education. Since the program emphasizes behavior over medication, it is generally considered safe. Participants engage in activities like exercise and receive support from health coaches, which are typically manageable. No evidence suggests harmful effects from this type of program.

Researchers are excited about Black Impact for heart health because it potentially offers a fresh approach to managing heart conditions. Unlike standard treatments that often rely on medications such as beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors, Black Impact might involve a novel mechanism, ingredient, or delivery method that presents a new way to improve heart health. By exploring these unique aspects, researchers hope to discover more effective or faster-acting options for patients, expanding the range of tools available to tackle heart issues.

A previous study showed that the Black Impact program improved heart health by boosting participants' Life's Simple 7 score. This score evaluates health factors like blood pressure and cholesterol, which are crucial for reducing heart disease risk. Participants also reported feeling less stressed, which benefits heart health. Black adults often face a higher risk of heart problems compared to White adults, highlighting the program's importance. In the current trial, some participants will start the Black Impact program immediately, while others will join a waitlist control group, receiving the intervention after 24 weeks of basic monitoring. Overall, early findings suggest that the Black Impact program could enhance heart health and reduce stress in Black men at risk for heart disease.¹⁶⁷⁸⁹