6 Facts You Didn’t Know About Latinas And Heart Disease

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Hispanic women. On average, Hispanic women are likely to develop heart disease 10 years earlier than Caucasian women.

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Yet, despite their heightened risk, most Hispanic women are still unaware of the threat to themselves and their family. That’s why the American Heart Association launched Go Red Por Tu Corazón, a heart health awareness initiative to educate Hispanic women about their threat of heart disease and to empower them to make life-saving choices for themselves and their families.

Go Red Por Tu Corazón promotes a heart-healthy lifestyle, nutrition and physical activity among
Hispanic women, building on the strong ties to family and cultural traditions.

HISPANIC WOMEN ARE AT GREATER RISK
Research suggests that even without any other risk factors, Hispanic women may have
increased risk of heart disease and they face unique barriers that prevent them from
addressing their heart health.

• Only one in three Hispanic women are aware that heart disease is their #1 killer.
• Cardiovascular disease kills approximately 455,000 women each year, which is about one every minute.
• More than eight percent of Hispanics, age 18 and older, have heart disease.
• Just three in 10 Hispanic women say they have been informed by their doctor that they are at a higher risk.
• Only one in four Hispanic women is aware of treatment options.
• Hispanic women (38 percent) are more likely than African American, Asian or Caucasian women to take preventive actions for their family when it comes to heart health.