Latinas At Increased Risk For Heart Disease

At the launch of National Women’s Health Week, findings from the recent nationwide Heart of Style Tour, a partnership between WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease and Burlington Stores reveal that Hispanic-American women were found to be physically inactive and have body mass index (BMI) in the obese range – both leading risk factors for heart disease.

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The Heart of Style Tour was part of Burlington’s third annual Red Dress Event held February 1-March 31 in all Burlington locations where millions of customers made generous donations to help fund women’s heart health education through WomenHeart, resulting in a $1.4 million donation to the organization. Burlington also donated $25,000 to support the cause.

Key findings from Hispanic-American women who completed the Tour health screening questionnaire (53% of respondents) reinforce that Hispanic-American women have an elevated risk for heart disease, supporting the need to further awareness among this population.

• On average, Hispanic-American women are physically inactive and have body mass index (BMI) in the obese range – both leading risk factors for heart disease
• 41% of the Hispanic Americans screened said they do not know how to recognize the signs of heart attack
• 62% stated they were surprised by the results of their heart health screening
• 67% said they exercise either once or twice a week, or not at all which fails to meet the Surgeon General’s Physical Activity Guidelines of at least 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 days/week
• The average Body Mass Index (BMI) of the Hispanic-American women surveyed is 42, placing in the obese BMI category