Heart disease is a major threat
to Hispanic populations and is
something of which to be aware.
COURIER L M B G IFE, JAN. 4–10, 2019 33
Cardiovascular disease continues
to threaten people from all walks
of life. People of all ethnic backgrounds
are susceptible to cardiovascular
diseases, but Hispanics should
pay particular attention to their own
increased risk for illnesses that affect
the heart.
The American Heart Association
notes that Hispanics face elevated
risks of cardiovascular disease compared
to non-Hispanics due to high
blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.
Hispanics comprise one of the largest
ethnic segments of the United States,
and are expected to constitute as much
as 29 percent of the U.S. population by
2050, based on predictions made from
U.S. Census Bureau data and information
from the Pew Research Center.
The 2007 National Health Interview
Survey indicated that 7.6 percent
of Hispanics suffer from heart
disease, which includes coronary
heart disease, angina pectoris, and
other heart conditions. Furthermore,
nearly 21 percent of Hispanics experience
hypertension (high blood pressure).
Those fi gures are even more
unsettling when considering Hispanics
have higher rates of being overweight
and obese than non-Hispanic
whites. The Association notes that
80 percent of Mexican-American men
and 76 percent of women age 20 and
older are overweight or obese.
Fortunately, there are many steps
Hispanics can take to reduce their
risks for heart disease and other illnesses.
The following are some strategies
to try:
Avoid fatty foods. Cultural infl uences
can dictate the types of foods
people eat. Some Hispanic dishes tend
to be particularly fatty thanks to the
inclusion of meats, refried beans, and
starchy rices. Everything can be enjoyed
in moderation, but Hispanics at
risk for heart disease should make an
effort to include vegetables, lean proteins,
and low-fat foods in their diets.
Exercise more. In addition to establishing
a moderate- to high-intensity
workout routine, people should
consider biking to work or school,
taking the stairs in lieu of an elevator,
or parking further away from store
entrances.
Routinely have your blood pressure
checked. Routine health and
wellness checkups can alert people
to any potential health problems, including
an elevated risk for hypertension.
High blood pressure is a major
risk factor for heart disease and
stroke among Hispanics. Lower blood
pressure by maintaining a healthy
weight and eating a diverse, low-sodium
diet.
Monitor blood-sugar levels. Untreated
diabetes can lead to serious
complications, including cardiovascular
disease and renal failure. Monitor
your blood-sugar levels regularly
and speak with your physician about
dietary changes that can help you
moderate type 2 diabetes.
Hispanics make up a large and
growing segment of the U.S. population.
It has become increasingly evident
that further education and awareness
into the effects of heart disease is
needed to help keep this major demographic
as healthy as possible.
Health
Keeping Hispanics heart-healthy