Bring Heart Health to Latinos: A Guide for Building Community Programs

摘要

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the Latino community, as well as in all other population groups. Among Latinos, nearly one-quarter of deaths are attributed to CVD. Factors that indicate increased risk of developing CVD are generally the same in Latinos as for the total community. However, some of the risk factors are more common$ for example, diabetes is a serious health problem in the Latino community. The age-adjusted prevalence rate of diabetes is two to three times greater among Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans than among non-Hispanic whites. Overweight-an independent risk factor associated with high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes--also is prevalent, particularly among Latino women.