Cardiovascular disease has surpassed cancer as the leading cause of death among Hispanic adults in the United States, driven by rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. A new scientific statement published in the American Heart Association’s flagship journal, Circulation, reveals how social, economic, cultural, and environmental factors contribute to persistent disparities in cardiovascular health. The statement calls for culturally tailored prevention strategies, equitable access to care, and greater representation of Hispanic populations in cardiovascular research.
Hispanic people represent nearly one in five of the U.S. population and are the nation’s largest ethnic minority group, yet many continue to face barriers to achieving heart health and accessing high-quality healthcare. “Hispanic populations in the U.S. are incredibly diverse even within their own communities with differences in genetic ancestry, language, cultural traditions and social experiences that can significantly influence cardiovascular health,” said Johanna Contreras, M.D., M.Sc., FAHA, director of the Division of Heart Failure and medical director of the Hispanic Heart Center within the Mount Sinai Health System. “Yet Hispanic people remain underrepresented overall in the research that guides prevention and treatment strategies… Without better representation and more detailed data, we risk overlooking important differences that can help us improve care and save lives.”
The numbers underscore the urgency. Cardiovascular risk factors—obesity (nearly 46%), type 2 diabetes (15.5%), and high blood pressure (approximately 44%)—are prevalent among Hispanic adults and often emerge at younger ages and occur more frequently compared with white adults. According to the report, only about one in five Hispanic adults achieves ideal cardiovascular health as defined by the American Heart Association’s original Life’s Simple 7 metrics. Updated analyses using the Life’s Essential 8 framework demonstrated persistent disparities for heart and brain health, as well as suboptimal dietary quality, sleep patterns, and levels of physical activity.
Social and economic barriers also play a significant role. Approximately 17% of Hispanics live below the federal poverty threshold, compared with 8.2% of white adults. “Many Hispanic adults face obstacles that extend far beyond the doctor’s office,” Contreras said. “Limited health insurance coverage, language differences, food insecurity, environmental exposures and concerns related to immigration status can make it more difficult to prevent disease, manage chronic conditions and receive timely treatment.”
Contreras emphasized that cultural values and practices influence how Hispanic people perceive their health and healthcare options. “Family plays a central role in many Hispanic communities and can be an extraordinary source of strength, support and resilience,” she said. “At the same time, family members are often called upon to translate medical information, navigate health systems and help make healthcare decisions for loved ones. Those responsibilities can shape how health information is understood and acted upon.”
The statement outlines an action plan for improving Hispanic health through community engagement, culturally responsive care, inclusive research, and policies that address the underlying drivers of health. “Reducing cardiovascular disease among Hispanic populations demands action at every level,” Contreras said, “from improving access to culturally responsive care and expanding research participation to addressing the social and environmental conditions that shape health.”
For Long Beach and surrounding areas, where Hispanic residents make up a substantial portion of the community, these findings have direct implications. Local healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers can use the statement’s recommendations to develop targeted prevention programs, improve language access services, and address social determinants of health. By addressing both medical risk factors and the social conditions that shape health, experts believe there is an important opportunity to reduce disparities and help more people live longer, healthier lives. Learn more at Heart.org.
