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Keith C. Ferdinand, M.D. - Medical Director, Heartbeats Life Center, New Orleans, LouisianaHeart Disease, Hypertension and Stroke
Photo of Keith C. Ferdinand, M.D.'Health is not simply the absence of disease: It is a positive state of social, physical and psychological well-being. The best ways for African Americans to reduce disparities will be early identification of risk factors and prevention before disease manifests itself as heart attacks and strokes.'
Keith C. Ferdinand, M.D., medical director of Heartbeats Life Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, has a medical passion: finding new ways to protect the hearts of African Americans. Dr. Ferdinand, a graduate of Howard University College of Medicine, is a medical Renaissance man with the common touch. He lectures and conducts major nationwide research into hypertension and cardiovascular diseases at New Orleans' Xavier University Clinical Trials Unit.

Among his current projects are a cardiovascular risk-reduction information program; and heart disease, hypertension and cholesterol screening programs directed at black women through their churches. He has been editor-in-chief of Urban Cardiology magazine, and has written numerous papers, as well as a chapter in the landmark textbook, Cardiovascular Disease in Blacks. Dr. Ferdinand's awards include leadership roles in the American Heart Association and the Association of Black Cardiologists. Dr. Ferdinand also produces and hosts a cable television show, "Health Issues 2000," which offers patients access to a wide range of health topics.

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