Conversations about heart disease typically prompt images of male patients. But heart problems are a major concern for women, too. Nationwide, over 60 million women have some form of heart disease. It contributed to one in five female deaths in 2021, but few women are aware of the dangers.
This is particularly true with Hispanic women. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), only one in three Hispanic women know heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women across the country.
If you’re a Hispanic woman, knowing how heart disease may affect you is important because you could face a different set of risk factors than non-Hispanic women, says Elizabeth Velazquez-Noll, MD, a St. Elizabeth Physicians primary care provider.
“Many Hispanic women may not realize they’re at risk, especially if they haven’t been screened for heart disease or the risk factors for heart disease,” she says. “There is a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease in Hispanic women compared to non-Hispanic women, and there are several reasons why.”
How Common is Heart Disease in Hispanic Women?
Based on AHA statistics, more than 40% of Hispanic women over age 20 have some form of cardiovascular disease. The good news is, as an Hispanic woman, you’re 30% less likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic women, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health. Still, you should pay attention to risk factors because heart problems in Hispanic women develop approximately 10 years earlier than women of non-Hispanic heritage.
Hispanic women also face two other obstacles that contribute directly to heart disease — higher rates of obesity and high blood pressure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 40% of all women are obese, and that percentage is slightly higher for Hispanic women. In addition, 41% of Hispanic women have high blood pressure.
Why Does Heart Disease Affect Hispanic Women More?
Dr. Velazquez-Noll says there are several reasons why heart disease may affect Hispanic women more than non-Hispanic women.
“Many Hispanic women may be hesitant to be examined or evaluated by a doctor,” she says. “They may face healthcare access roadblocks, or they may face financial constraints. They might also lack insurance or have a language barrier.”
Hispanic women also have higher rates of diabetes and high cholesterol, Dr. Velazquez-Noll says. Genetics is somewhat responsible, but cultural diet and nutrition also play a large part.
“Significant numbers of Hispanic women live in food deserts. There may not be as much access to fresh fruits, vegetables and greens in these areas. They may also work jobs where they don’t have access to fresh foods,” she says, noting that food deserts affect men, women, and children across all races and ethnicities. “These women may be on a fast food or convenience food track, which contributes to higher rates of diabetes and high cholesterol that can lead to heart disease.”
Like many other women, Hispanic women tend to shoulder the responsibility of family caretaker. As a result, they are more likely to put everyone else’s needs above their own.
“Hispanic women frequently care for multiple generations, often in the same household,” she says. “So, these women — mothers, daughters, and granddaughters — may be putting their needs last.”
Do Stress and Hormones Affect Hispanic Women’s Risk for Heart Disease?
Stress and hormonal changes can directly impact the risk of heart disease for all women, including Hispanic women. The more stressed you are, the more of the stress hormone cortisol you’ll produce. High cortisol levels frequently lead to stress and eating unhealthy foods that potentially lead to weight gain. Too much cortisol can also interfere with sleep, causing high blood pressure, Dr. Velazquez-Noll says.
Hormonal changes alter a woman’s heart disease risk, as well. Research shows that estrogen protects women against having a heart attack. So, when estrogen levels fall during menopause, your heart disease risk climbs. By age 60 to 65, your likelihood of developing heart problems is the same as a man’s.
What Can Hispanic Women Do to Prevent Heart Disease?
Dr. Velazquez-Noll says there are three main things Hispanic women can do to prevent the development of heart disease in the future:
- Avoid tobacco: Smoking is an independent risk factor that causes inflammation in the blood vessels. Nicotine causes your blood vessels to get narrower over time, increasing your risk for heart attack and stroke.
- Get enough exercise: The AHA recommends you get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week to help prevent heart disease.
- Focus on diet: Choose fresh, whole foods and limit processed foods whenever possible. Avoid foods that are high in sugar and animal fats, as well.
Ultimately, Dr. Velazquez-Noll says, Hispanic women need to learn more about their risk for heart disease.
“I think the awareness of heart disease in women isn’t what it has been historically for men,” she says. “So, it’s important for women to pay attention to their symptoms because they tend to develop heart disease later in life. Don’t put off those check-ups.”
