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Risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Latina women
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA. terejuarbe@aol.com
Insights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major health concern for Latina women, who face higher risks due to factors like hypertension and diabetes. This review highlights knowledge gaps and proposes nursing interventions to improve heart health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Cardiovascular Health
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of mortality among Latina women in the U.S.
- Existing literature on CVD risk factors in this demographic is inconsistent and limited by exclusion from major studies.
- Latina women exhibit higher prevalence of key CVD risk factors compared to white women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the current literature on cardiovascular disease in Latina women.
- To review mortality trends and significant risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and physical inactivity.
- To discuss sociocultural influences and their impact on cardiovascular health.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature on cardiovascular disease in Latina women.
- Analysis of data concerning mortality rates and prevalence of risk factors.
- Exploration of sociocultural determinants affecting cardiovascular health.
Main Results:
- Latina women experience a disproportionately high burden of cardiovascular disease.
- Key risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity are more prevalent.
- Sociocultural factors significantly influence the cardiovascular health landscape for this population.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for targeted research and interventions to address CVD in Latina women.
- Clinical practice and nursing research should focus on culturally sensitive approaches to promote heart health.
- Addressing identified risk factors and sociocultural barriers is essential for CVD prevention.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for Latina women in the United States. Nevertheless, the literature available about the risk factors for cardiovascular disease is inconsistent and hampered by issues related to race and ethnic identification and the exclusion of Latina women from major population-based studies. Compared with white women, Latina women have more of the major and contributing factors for cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, diabetes, overweight/obesity and physical inactivity. This article presents an overview of the literature on cardiovascular disease in Latina women. Literature on mortality, as well as key risk factors (hypertension, cigarette smoking, elevated serum lipids, overweight and obesity, diabetes mellitus and physical inactivity) are reviewed. Issues related to the sociocultural environment of Latina women are also discussed. The article concludes with the implications for clinical practice and further nursing research. The information provided in this article may help nurse clinicians, educators and researchers design and implement nursing interventions that can promote heart health and prevent cardiovascular disease in Latina women.