A new warning

The American Heart Association reports that cardiovascular disease is now the leading cause of death among Hispanic adults in the U.S.

Ideal health is rare

Only 1 in 5 Hispanic adults has ideal heart health. Researchers link the gap to health coverage, food access, language barriers and other daily pressures.

“Just one in five Hispanic adults in the U.S. has ideal heart health”

Risk factors stack up

Type 2 diabetes affects 15.5% of Hispanic adults, high blood pressure about 44%, and obesity nearly 46%. Heart failure also tends to arrive years earlier.

Doctors see it daily

Dr. Amol Bahekar says the findings match what he sees in practice, with high rates of obesity, diabetes and hypertension among many Hispanic patients.

“It is unfortunately not surprising”

Small changes matter

Bahekar points to portion control and cutting added salt as practical steps. Less sodium can help lower blood pressure and reduce later heart disease risk.

“Control the proportion and control the amount of sodium in your diet.”

A survivor’s shock

Francisco Almodovar had triple-bypass surgery eight years ago. He says denial hit first because he believed he was in great shape.

“There's no way this could be happening to me.”

Language can block care

Almodovar now helps Spanish-speaking heart patients through Mended Hearts of Fayetteville, translating fear, questions and next steps when English gets in the way.

“A lot of them, they just don't know the language.”

Peer support fills gaps

Mended Hearts visitors talk with patients and families from lived experience. Brenda Berkstresser says that helps people feel less alone after diagnosis or surgery.

“They see that they're not the only people with this heart disease.”

Information changes outcomes

Advocates say better awareness and easier access to care are needed in Hispanic communities. Almodovar says knowing more can improve life after a diagnosis.

“The more information you have, the better your quality of life going forward can be.”