February is American Heart Month
February is the American heart month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. but impacts some communities disproportionately including the Latino community. This Month raises awareness about Heart health. Here are a few key facts that highlight why Hearth health awareness is so important:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects a large portion of Latino adults. More than 52% of Hispanic/Latino men and about 43% of Hispanic/Latina women aged 20 and older have cardiovascular disease — including heart disease and related conditions such as heart attacks and stroke — highlighting its widespread impact.
Heart disease is a leading health concern with serious outcomes. In the United States in 2019, 31,864 Hispanic men and 26,820 Hispanic women died from cardiovascular disease, showing the serious impact of CVD in Latino populations.
Common Risk Factors
· High blood pressure
· High Cholesterol
· Diabetes
· Limited access to preventive healthcare
Why Does This Matter?
Cardiovascular disease has a significant impact on our Latino community especially among men, who may be less likely to seek medical care due to cultural stigma or taboos. The reality is that many heart conditions are preventable. Helping our community towards taking small steps such as educating them about the importance of scheduling regular checkups, eating healthier foods, staying physically active, and managing chronic conditions can make a meaningful difference for individuals, families, and future generations.