Nursing Note, a Coaching Corner Newsletter Feature

February 7, 2026

For the better part of this past year a large portion of my business operations has been focused on rebranding and rebuilding the structure of my company. Coaching has become my primary focus and will continue to be as we continue to develop and redefine our organizational structure. 

The foundation of my practice as a coach is built on my 30+ years of experience in the healthcare industry and nursing education and leadership. My goal is to provide services, education, and support to my clients that is relevant and client centered. 

One of the primary goals I have this year is to create and provide content that helps you in a meaningful way and in a way that helps support you throughout your journey of rooting, wholeness, and becoming. 

With that said, I am both excited and proud to introduce you to the Coaching Corner’s new periodical feature, “WholeHealth: Nursing Notes” which will provide my subscribers, and clients, with whole body health education, health related tips, trainings, videos, and other resources that helps support your physical, mental, and emotional health.  To be completely transparent, this feature will contain a mixture of both free, paid, and members only level content.

So without further ado, please enjoy our very first publication dedicated to two very important topics that honors both Heart Health Month and Black History Month and that’s also near and dear to my own heart; closing the gaps in health disparities in the African American community. 

Here’s to your health!

Sincerely,

Coach Carol

This month’s featured Article:

How Stress and Trauma Affect Black Americans and What You Can Do to Maintain Your Heart Health During Times of Crisis

Introduction

Stress is a universal human experience, yet not all communities experience stress in the same ways or at the same intensity. For many Black Americans, chronic stress and trauma are shaped not only by individual life events but also by systemic inequities, racial discrimination, economic pressures, and intergenerational adversity. Research increasingly shows that these cumulative stressors significantly influence cardiovascular health, contributing to higher rates of hypertension, heart disease, and stress-related health challenges. Understanding this connection is essential—not only for awareness but also for empowerment and prevention.

This article explores how stress and trauma affect heart health in Black communities and offers practical, culturally responsive strategies to protect well-being during times of crisis.

The Relationship Between Stress, Trauma, and Heart Health

Stress activates the body’s “fight-or-flight” response, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormone levels. While this response can be protective in short bursts, chronic stress causes wear and tear on the cardiovascular system. Over time, repeated stress responses contribute to inflammation, hypertension, and increased risk of heart disease.

Black Americans face unique stressors linked to structural racism, discrimination, and socioeconomic inequities. These experiences are not only psychological; they create measurable physiological effects. Studies show that lifetime exposure to discrimination is associated with significantly higher risks of hypertension and cardiovascular disease (Forde et al., as cited in American Heart Association reports). One study found that Black participants who experienced lifetime discrimination had a 35% increased risk of developing high blood pressure (American Heart Association, 2021).  

Additionally, trauma—particularly early life adversity—has been associated with altered cardiovascular responses to stress and poorer heart outcomes later in life (Vaccarino et al., 2025).  

The Impact of Structural Stress and Racial Trauma

Chronic stress among Black Americans often extends beyond personal experiences to include structural and societal factors such as racism, community violence, economic disparities, and healthcare inequities. These stressors contribute to what researchers call “weathering,” a process in which ongoing adversity accelerates biological aging and increases vulnerability to chronic disease.

Evidence suggests that discrimination is not only emotionally harmful but also physically dangerous. Research indicates that lifetime discrimination is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and higher risks of heart disease among Black individuals (American Heart Association, 2023).  

Trauma and chronic stress have also been linked to higher rates of mental health challenges and chronic medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes (Office of Behavioral Health Equity, 2020).  

Heart Health Disparities in Black Communities

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and Black Americans experience a disproportionate burden. Nearly half of Black adults live with cardiovascular disease, and mortality rates are significantly higher compared to the overall U.S. population (National Institutes of Health, 2022).  

Multiple factors contribute to this disparity, including higher rates of hypertension, chronic stress exposure, limited access to quality healthcare, environmental stressors, and social determinants of health. These realities highlight the importance of culturally responsive prevention strategies that address both physical and emotional health.

Strategies to Protect Heart Health During Times of Crisis

1. Prioritize Stress Regulation

Practice grounding techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, journaling, or prayer. These tools can help calm the nervous system and reduce chronic stress responses.

2. Maintain Supportive Community Connections

Strong social relationships are protective against stress. Group coaching, peer support, and community engagement can foster resilience and reduce isolation.

3. Engage in Regular Physical Movement

Movement improves cardiovascular health and reduces stress hormones. Walking, stretching, or culturally meaningful physical activities—such as dance or group exercise—can be especially beneficial.

4. Address Emotional Trauma with Professional Support

Trauma-informed counseling, coaching, or therapy can help individuals process difficult experiences and develop healthier coping strategies.

5. Embrace Spiritual and Cultural Practices

Spirituality and faith traditions have been associated with improved heart health outcomes among Black Americans, highlighting the importance of culturally meaningful coping strategies (National Institutes of Health, 2022).  

6. Focus on Preventive Healthcare

Regular medical visits, blood pressure monitoring, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep are critical components of cardiovascular health maintenance.

Conclusion

Stress and trauma are powerful determinants of health, particularly within Black communities where systemic and structural challenges often amplify everyday stressors. While these realities are significant, they do not define the future. Through culturally responsive support, proactive wellness practices, community connection, and trauma-informed care, individuals can build resilience and protect their heart health—even during times of crisis.

Awareness, empowerment, and collective healing are not only possible—they are essential steps toward lasting well-being and healthier communities.

References (APA 7th Edition)

American Heart Association. (2021). Lifelong discrimination linked to high blood pressure in Black people.  

American Heart Association. (2023). Discrimination linked to higher risk of death, particularly from cardiovascular disease.  

National Institutes of Health. (2022). Spirituality, religion linked to heart health among Black Americans.  

Office of Behavioral Health Equity. (2020). Trauma, racism, chronic stress and the health of Black Americans.  

Vaccarino, V., et al. (2025). Blunted cardiovascular reactivity to mental stress in Black Americans with previous myocardial infarction: Impact of childhood trauma.