# Heart disease warning for Hispanic adults

> A new heart health report points to early risks, access gaps and the power of small changes and peer support.
- Title: Heart disease warning for Hispanic adults | Shortify
- Summary: A new heart health report points to early risks, access gaps and the power of small changes and peer support. Heart risk in Hispanic communities is tied to…
- Keywords: heart health, hispanic health, diabetes, blood pressure, health access, news, local, Heart, disease, warning, Hispanic, adults
- Source: ABC11 Raleigh-Durham — https://abc11.com/post/heart-disease-tops-deaths-hispanic-adults-cardiologists-sound-alarm-offer-health-tips/19836441
- Published: 2026-09-15T22:50:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: heart health, hispanic health, diabetes, blood pressure, health access, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Heart risk in Hispanic communities is tied to health conditions and access barriers, so screening, diet changes and trusted support can save lives.