Hispanic Heritage Month offers a wonderful opportunity to honor rich traditions and culture. As communities gather in celebration, it is equally important to reflect on ways individuals can safeguard their health, especially when it comes to cardiovascular wellness.
According to a piece published in the American Heart Association’s Circulation Journal, cardiovascular disease is a primary cause of death among Hispanic and Latino individuals in the United States, but more can be done to understand cardiovascular disease in this population to improve risk predictions, advance precise prevention, and inform the allocation of resources. At Ascension Illinois, care teams are dedicated to delivering compassionate, quality care to the communities served. Clinicians like interventional cardiologist Dr. Luis Diaz Quintero cares deeply for patients and often offers insight and recommendations for heart-healthy living to the patients he sees.
Dr. Diaz Quintero practices at Ascension Illinois in Bartlett, Elk Grove Village, and Hoffman Estates. He focuses on heart catheterization alongside minimally invasive cardiac care. To help support stroke and heart attack prevention, he performs interventional cardiology procedures. His primary clinical interests comprise atherectomy, coronary artery disease, complex coronary artery interventions, as well as high-risk coronary interventions.
Although Hispanics are frequently categorized as a single demographic, vast differences exist across Latin American countries. The Hispanic population encompasses a wide range of languages, genetic backgrounds, cultural traditions, and socioeconomic factors. Key lifestyle elements, such as dietary habits, daily behaviors, and physical activity, vary significantly and must be taken into account. Traditional cardiovascular risk assessment tools fail to capture these distinct variations, even within the same ethnic group.
Furthermore, risk factors tend to elevate as individuals adapt to American health habits. Post-migration lifestyle shifts often lead to higher consumption of processed foods, increased portion sizes, and reduced physical activity.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs less frequently among Hispanic individuals, though it often presents alongside additional health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Furthermore, delayed diagnoses as well as underutilized treatments and medical therapies remain persistent challenges. Prioritizing regular medical care is essential. Adopting a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, and utilizing preventive health screenings—especially for those with a family history of heart disease—are key steps to support long-term well-being.
