Prevalence of Major Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Cardiovascular Diseases Among Hispanic/Latino Individuals of Diverse Backgrounds in the United States

Abstract

In the last decades, the US Hispanic and Latino population has increased dramatically, now comprising the nation's largest minority group.¹ Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are leading causes of mortality among Hispanic/Latino individuals in the United States,² and this relatively young ethnic group is at high risk of future CVD morbidity and mortality as it ages. Evidence also suggests that CVD risk factors and disease rates may vary considerably among Hispanic/Latino groups. Risk for CVDs among Hispanic/Latino individuals has been reported to differ by degree of acculturation and duration of residence in the United States.^3-7