Cardiovascular Disease Leading Cause of Death Among Hispanic Adults in U.S.

CINCINNATI (September 29, 2026) - As part of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15), The Christ Hospital Health Network wants to focus on cardiovascular risk factors the Hispanic Community faces. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death of Hispanic Adults in the United States toping cancer deaths.

Hispanic people represent nearly 1 in 5 of the U.S. population and are the nation's largest ethnic minority. Cardiovascular risk factors are highly prevalent among Hispanic adults and often emerge at younger ages and occur more frequently among Hispanic adults compared with white adults.

• Nearly 46% of Hispanic adults have obesity, with the highest rates reported among Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage groups.
• Type 2 diabetes affects 15.5% of Hispanic adults, nearly twice the prevalence among white adults. Prevalence is highest among Mexican and Puerto Rican individuals.
• About 44% of Hispanic adults have high blood pressure, yet awareness, treatment and control rates remain lower than among white adults. The highest prevalence is observed among Puerto Rican, Cuban and Dominican individuals.

This high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors drives increased cardiovascular disease among Hispanic adults, often occurring at younger ages. Disparities exist between Hispanic adults and white adults, and between U.S.-born and foreign-born Hispanic individuals.

• Hispanic adults are diagnosed with heart failure about 8 to 9 years younger than white adults.
• Hispanic adults, on average, experience a first stroke about 6 to 8 years younger - 67 years old compared to 73 to 75 years old among white adults.
• U.S.-born Hispanic adults have shorter life expectancy and higher death rates than their foreign-born counterparts, driven by high prevalence of heart disease, stroke and multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors.

"In order to avoid long-term health complications like cardiovascular disease and stroke, Hispanic women should keep a healthy blood pressure and good cholesterol and blood sugar levels," Julian Guitron, MD cardiothoracic surgeon at The Christ Hospital Health Network. "We know stress is also a significant factor in our overall heart health. By knowing our risks, we can make better decisions to lead healthier lifestyles."

Taking control of your health can help lower your risk for cardiovascular disease. Dr. Guitron says having patients focus on a heart healthy diet and regular exercise can help her patients stay on the pathway to a heart healthy life.

About The Christ Hospital Health Network
The Christ Hospital Health Network consists of an acute care hospital located in Mt. Auburn, a remote hospital location in Liberty Township, eight ambulatory outpatient centers and dozens of medical offices throughout the region. For 137 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to those it serves. Made up of more than 1,300 physicians and more than 7,600 team members, our mission is to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional outcomes in an affordable way. The Network was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #3 hospital in Ohio and named to Newsweek's World's Best Hospitals list in 2026.

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