Culturally Relevant Strategies to Prevent and Treat Cardiovascular Disease in Hispanic Communities

# Why this matters Cardiovascular disease has overtaken cancer as the leading cause of death among Hispanic adults in the U.S. A new scientific statement in Circulation by the American Heart Association calls attention to how social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors contribute to this trend and lays out practical directions for prevention and care tailored to Hispanic communities.

# What the data show Risk factors are common and often appear earlier in life. The statement highlights obesity in nearly 46% of Hispanic adults, type 2 diabetes at about 15.5%, and high blood pressure at roughly 44%. Using the American Heart Association's measurement frameworks, only about 1 in 5 Hispanic adults reaches the threshold for ideal cardiovascular health. Updated Life's Essential 8 analyses show ongoing disparities in diet, sleep, and physical activity.

# Why biology is not the whole answer The statement stresses that social and economic conditions explain much of the gap. Around 17% of Hispanic adults live below the federal poverty level compared with 8.2% of white adults. Limited health insurance, language differences, food insecurity, environmental exposures, and immigration-related concerns make prevention, chronic disease management, and timely treatment harder to achieve.

Family roles also influence care. Family members often translate medical information, manage appointments, and make healthcare decisions, which affects how health messages are understood and acted on. Clinicians quoted in the statement note that Hispanic populations are diverse in ancestry, language, and traditions—differences that can affect risk and outcomes but are underrepresented in research.

# Recommended approaches The statement identifies four broad, actionable pathways:

• Culturally responsive clinical care: Tailor communication, use trained medical interpreters or bilingual providers, and incorporate family-centered decision-making where appropriate.
• Community-based prevention: Partner with local organizations, faith groups, and community health workers to meet people where they live and account for cultural food patterns, physical activity preferences, and social supports.
• Inclusive research: Increase Hispanic participation in cardiovascular studies and collect more detailed data on ancestry, language and cultural practices to identify subgroup differences and tailor interventions.
• Policy and social interventions: Address upstream factors such as insurance coverage, food insecurity, safe places for activity, and workplace exposures that shape risk.

# Practical implications for clinicians and community leaders Clinicians should screen for social needs alongside traditional risk factors and consider family dynamics when recommending prevention or treatment plans. Community leaders and public health programs can use culturally adapted education, trusted messengers, and Spanish- or heritage-language materials to improve reach. Policymakers should prioritize funding that reduces barriers to care and supports community-level prevention programs.

# Where to learn more Circulation scientific statement provide the evidence synthesis and recommendations referenced in the article. The piece also points readers to Heart.org for additional resources.