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Avoiding the looming Latino/Hispanic cardiovascular health crisis: a call to action
Jaime A Davidson1, William B Kannel, Angel Lopez-Candales
1University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX, USA. jdavidson@medicalcitydallas.com
Insights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major health concern for US Latinos/Hispanics. More research and collaborative efforts are needed to address CVD and diabetes in this growing population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Cardiology
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in the US Latino/Hispanic population.
- High prevalence of CVD risk factors like metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes in this demographic necessitates targeted interventions.
- Understanding CVD risk and culturally sensitive treatments is crucial for the growing Latino/Hispanic community.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current findings on CVD prevalence, risk factors, and associated illnesses in US Latinos/Hispanics.
- To identify knowledge gaps in CVD research and treatment for this population.
- To advocate for increased action from various sectors to address CVD and diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Extensive literature search of PubMed and internet resources (1995-2005).
- Keywords included "cardiovascular disease," "CVD," "Latino," "Hispanic," "prevention," "guidelines," "clinical trials," and "interventions."
- Study selection based on publication date, sample size, and relevance; data validity assessed by source quality and author consensus.
Main Results:
- Current research and treatment options for Latinos/Hispanics at risk for CVD and related illnesses are limited.
- Significant gaps exist in understanding the specific nuances of CVD development and management within this population.
Conclusions:
- Additional research is essential to identify optimal predictors for CVD and diabetes in Latino/Hispanic patients.
- A coordinated, multi-level effort involving health organizations and governing bodies is required to effectively combat CVD in the Latino/Hispanic population.
Context:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among the largest and fastest growing ethnic minority in the United States, Latinos/Hispanics. CVD risk factors such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes are prevalent in Latinos/Hispanics at alarming rates. It is therefore imperative to understand this population's risk of CVD and the most effective and culturally sensitive treatment methods.
Objectives:
To review recent findings on the prevalence of CVD, CVD risk factors, and related illnesses in the US Latino/Hispanic population, and discuss gaps in the current knowledge. To summon a call for greater action on the part of governmental agencies, pharmaceutical companies, academia, industry media, professional and community organizations to address the escalating health problem of CVD and related illnesses, such as diabetes, in the Latino/Hispanic population.
Data Sources:
An extensive PubMed and Internet literature search for studies published from January 1995 to July 2005 was conducted, using a combination of search terms (cardiovascular disease, CVD, Latino, Hispanic, prevention, guidelines, clinical trials, interventions).
Study Selection:
Studies meeting initial search criteria were distilled using the date of publication, study population size, and specific relevance to the topic being reviewed.
Data Extraction:
Data validity was assessed based on the quality of the source (large sample size, government agencies, major publications) and a consensus of the authors on perceived validity.
Data Synthesis:
The review found limitations in current research as well as treatment methods and options for Latinos/Hispanics at risk for developing CVD and related illnesses.
Conclusions:
Due to limitations in current data and trials and public health concern, additional research needs to be conducted to fully determine the best predictors of CVD and diabetes in Latino/Hispanic patients. A combined effort on the part of health-influencing and health-governing bodies is needed on all levels in order to address the CVD problem in the Latino/Hispanic population.
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