Cardiovascular Disease Now Leading Cause of Death Among Hispanic Adults

The American Heart Association has released a new scientific statement in its flagship journal Circulation, revealing that cardiovascular disease has now surpassed cancer as the leading cause of death among Hispanic adults in the United States. This shift is driven by rising rates of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and other risk factors. Hispanic people represent nearly 1 in 5 of the U.S. population and are the nation’s largest ethnic minority group, yet many face barriers to achieving heart health and accessing high-quality healthcare. The statement emphasizes that social, economic, cultural and environmental factors contribute to persistent disparities in cardiovascular health, calling for culturally tailored prevention strategies, equitable access to care and greater representation of Hispanic populations in cardiovascular research.

“Hispanic populations in the U.S. are incredibly diverse even within their own communities with differences in genetic ancestry, language, cultural traditions and social experiences that can significantly influence cardiovascular health,” said Johanna Contreras, M.D., M.Sc., FAHA, director of the Division of Heart Failure and medical director of the Hispanic Heart Center within the Mount Sinai Health System. “Yet Hispanic people remain underrepresented overall in the research that guides prevention and treatment strategies… Without better representation and more detailed data, we risk overlooking important differences that can help us improve care and save lives.” The report highlights that cardiovascular risk factors—obesity (nearly 46%), type 2 diabetes (15.5%) and high blood pressure (approximately 44%)—are prevalent among Hispanic adults and often emerge at younger ages and occur more frequently compared with white adults. Only about 1 in 5 Hispanic adults achieves ideal cardiovascular health as defined by the American Heart Association’s original Life’s Simple 7 metrics.

Updated analyses using the Life’s Essential 8 framework demonstrated persistent disparities for heart and brain health, as well as suboptimal dietary quality, sleep patterns and levels of physical activity. Social and economic barriers matter: approximately 17% of Hispanics live below the federal poverty threshold, compared with 8.2% of white adults. “Many Hispanic adults face obstacles that extend far beyond the doctor’s office,” Contreras said. “Limited health insurance coverage, language differences, food insecurity, environmental exposures and concerns related to immigration status can make it more difficult to prevent disease, manage chronic conditions and receive timely treatment.” She also noted that cultural values, such as the central role of family, can be both a source of strength and a challenge when family members must translate medical information and navigate health systems. The statement outlines an action plan for improving Hispanic health through community engagement, culturally responsive care, inclusive research and policies addressing underlying drivers of health. “Reducing cardiovascular disease among Hispanic populations demands action at every level,” Contreras said. By addressing both medical risk factors and social conditions, experts believe there is an important opportunity to reduce disparities and help more people live longer, healthier lives. Learn more at Heart.org.