February 12, 2025

Prioritizing Heart Health in the Latino Community

February is American Heart Health Month—a time to put your heart first! Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Hispanic and Latino communities, yet many still face barriers to awareness and access to care.

Despite being the second-largest ethnic group in the U.S., Hispanics and Latinos have historically been underrepresented in medical research. It wasn’t until 1980, that the U.S. Census began to collect data on this population. This paved the way for vital health studies such as the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Today, we know that Hispanics and Latinos face higher rates of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes which are risk factors for heart disease. Alarmingly, they are also the least likely to seek medical care, often due to cultural and language barriers.

Among Hispanic and Latino adults aged 20 and older, more than 52% of males and nearly 43% of females have cardiovascular disease. In 2019, heart disease claimed the lives of 31,864 males and 26,820 females. These numbers highlight the urgent need to address heart health in our communities.

The good news? Heart disease is preventable! Small, consistent lifestyle changes such as eating heart-healthy foods, staying active, and monitoring your blood pressure can make a difference. 

Ready to take charge of your heart health? The Latino Center of the Midlands’ Cultivate Wellness program promotes healthy living through its at-home gardening initiative. Families grow their own nutritious vegetables, stay active while maintaining their gardens, and receive blood pressure monitoring and heart health education to support long-term wellness.

By prioritizing heart health and utilizing community resources, we can reduce the impact of cardiovascular disease together. Your heart matters—let’s take care of it!