African-Americans are disproportionately affected and have a greater incidence of heart failure compared to other populations. Current literature identifies many contributory factors, among which is the role of culture. Culture, defined to include socioeconomic status and the historical and sociological experience of African-Americans, may play a pivotal role in how clients manage their symptoms of heart failure. This study attempts to explain how culture contributes to the lack of successful management of heart failure among African-Americans using the framework of Hofstede's cultural dimensions of power distance and individualism.