In the wake of National Cholesterol Education Month in September, it’s important to shine a light on one of the biggest health threats among our community – cardiovascular disease. This disease represents the second highest cause of death among Hispanics (20.8% of deaths), following only cancer (21.5% of deaths). According to the National Health Nutrition Examination survey, Mexican-American adults in particular, are more likely than non-Hispanic whites to suffer from high cholesterol — one of the key risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Given the greater prevalence of high cholesterol among Hispanics, it’s critical to note that they show lower rates of cholesterol awareness, screening, treatment and disease management. Furthermore, according to Univision and Nielsen’s Hispanic Healthcare Journey study, only 46% of Hispanics were aware of the role high cholesterol and family history play in cardiovascular conditions compared to 73% of non-Hispanics. Due to these knowledge gaps, Hispanics tend to rely on information from their family, friends and healthcare providers. The Hispanic Healthcare Journey study also shows that Hispanic consumers are overwhelmingly more likely to seek healthcare information from television networks and digital sources.
Education and awareness are key in reaching the Hispanic consumer. There is a greater need to inform and empower the Hispanic community in relation to their cardiovascular health. Outreach through mass media channels is an integral tool in increasing Hispanic awareness and improving health outcomes.
Sources: Geoscape American Market Datastream 2016 Series. Products by the Geoscape Intelligence System, GIS. CDC: Deaths: Final Data for 2013; National Vital Statistics Report, Dec 20, 2013; Univision/Nielsen Hispanic Healthcare Journey Study 2016; Harris, Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, 2013; National Vital Statistics Report, Dec 20, 2013; Mozzafarian, D., Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics – 2015 Update: A Report from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 2015
