Overview
- A new report from the American Heart Association finds that cardiovascular disease has surpassed cancer as the top cause of death among Hispanic adults in the United States.
- The report says Hispanic people make up nearly one in five U.S. residents but remain underrepresented in the research that shapes prevention and treatment.
- The AHA notes a critical workforce shortfall with only about 6% of cardiologists identifying as Hispanic, which the report ties to weaker culturally informed care and lower trust.
- In response the AHA launched the National Hispanic Latino Cardiovascular Collaborative to provide mentorship, bilingual resources, community partnerships, and programs to expand the pipeline of Hispanic clinicians.
- The report highlights practical barriers—language, culture, and limited access to care—and says expanding research inclusion and culturally and linguistically appropriate education and services could improve prevention and outcomes for Hispanic communities.