Heart & Heritage: Strengthening Cardiovascular Health in the Hispanic Community

Heart disease is often seen as a universal health issue—but its impact isn’t felt equally across all communities. For Hispanic families, the story is complex—high rates of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension that often go undetected or untreated. These silent risk factors are compounded by challenges such as limited access to healthcare, language barriers and cultural norms that may delay preventative care.

At MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, we recognize the importance of culturally sensitive care and proactive prevention. Through heart risk assessments, education, and inclusive care, we’re committed to helping Hispanic families take control of their cardiovascular health—without losing touch with the traditions that make our culture so vibrant and rich.

Understanding the Burden: Heart Disease in Hispanic Populations

According to the CDC and the Office of Minority Health, Hispanic adults were 50% less likely to have coronary heart disease than non-Hispanic adults in 2023. However, this doesn’t tell the full story. Hispanic populations still experience high rates of risk factors such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension—conditions that often go undiagnosed or untreated due to barriers in healthcare access, language, and socioeconomic status.

The data is telling:

• High blood pressure affects nearly 50% of Hispanic men aged 20 and older.
• Diabetes is present in 15% of Hispanic men and 12% of Hispanic women.
• High cholesterol affects about one-third of Hispanic adults.

These numbers highlight the importance of proactive prevention and education, especially as the Hispanic population continues to grow and age. MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute provides heart risk assessments and educational resources to help patients experiencing heart attack symptoms.

Genetics, Culture and Risk: What Drives Higher Rates?

Genetic research into cardiovascular disease among Hispanic populations is still emerging. A recent study funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute is working to uncover genetic markers that may predispose Hispanic individuals to heart attacks and strokes. This research is vital, as Hispanic populations have historically been underrepresented in genomic studies—making it harder to develop targeted treatments and interventions.

Beyond genetics, cultural factors play a significant role. Family-centered lifestyles, traditional diets and community norms can influence health behaviors. For instance, many Hispanic families prioritize group needs over individual self-care, which can delay medical attention or lifestyle changes.

Moreover, the diversity within the Hispanic community—spanning countries like Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Colombia, and beyond—means health risks and behaviors vary widely. Recognizing this diversity is key to crafting effective public health strategies.

Food Traditions and Health: Balancing Flavor with Heart-Smart Choices

Food is central to Hispanic culture, offering comfort, connection, and celebration. But traditional dishes—while rich in flavor—can also be high in sodium, saturated fats, and refined carbohydrates. Think fried empanadas, cheesy enchiladas, and sugary flan.

The good news? These beloved dishes can be adapted without losing their soul.

Here are some heart-smart tips to make traditional dishes healthier:

• Swap frying for baking or air frying: Arepas and pupusas can be baked and filled with lean proteins and veggies.
• Use herbs and spices instead of salt: Sofrito—a blend of garlic, onions, peppers, and tomatoes—is a flavorful, low-sodium base for many dishes.
• Choose health fats: Avocados, olive oil and canola oil are better alternatives to lard or butter.
• Prioritize plant-based ingredients: Beans, legumes, yams and colorful vegetables are staples in many Latin cuisines and support heart health.

In places like Nicoya, Costa Rica—a designated “Blue Zone”—residents enjoy long lives thanks to diets rich in beans, vegetables, and lean proteins. These traditions offer a blueprint for healthier eating across the Hispanic diaspora.

Prevention Starts at Home: Tips for Families

Heart disease is largely preventable, and prevention begins at—with family meals, shared activities, and open conversations. Here are practical steps families can take together:

Stay Active

Aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. Break it into manageable chunks—like dancing, walking after meals, or recreational sports.

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

Fill plates with:

• Vegetables and fruit
• Whole grains (brown rice, whole corn tortillas)
• Lean proteins (skinless chicken, fish, beans)
• Low-fat dairy

Control Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Regular check-ups are essential. Use tools like a heart tracker to monitor your numbers.

Manage Diabetes

Learn the ABCs of diabetes management:

• A: A1C levels
• B: Blood pressure
• C: Cholesterol

Quit Smoking

Smoking rates among Hispanic adults are lower than average but quitting remains crucial. Create a quit plan and seek support from healthcare providers.

Limit Alcohol and Manage Stress

Too much alcohol can raise blood pressure. Stress also plays a role in heart health—so find ways to relax, whether through yoga, music, or family time.

Cook Together

Preparing meals as a family encourages healthier habits and strengthen bonds. Try heart-healthy versions of traditional dishes, like Mexican Pozole made with lean beef and low-sodium ingredients.

At MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, our commitment to culturally sensitive, community-based care goes beyond words. We offer a range of programs designed to meet Hispanic families where they are—linguistically, culturally, and medically.

Here's How We’re Making a Difference:

• Bilingual Heart Risk Assessments: Our clinics offer screenings and consultations in both English and Spanish, ensuring language is never a barrier to understanding your heart health.
• Community Health Fairs & Screenings: We partner with local churches, schools, and community centers to provide free or low-cost blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose screenings—often staffed by bilingual providers.
• Culturally Tailored Education Materials: From recipe cards to wellness workshops, our resources are designed with Hispanic traditions and preferences in mind, making heart-healthy living more accessible and sustainable.
• Patient Navigators: Our bilingual care coordinators help patients schedule appointments, understand treatment plans, and access financial assistance—bridging gaps in care and trust.

These efforts are part of our broader mission to ensure every family—regardless of background—has the tools and support they need to live a heart-healthy life.

Moving Forward: A Community Effort

Improving heart health in the Hispanic community isn’t just about individual choices—it’s about collective action. When schools, churches, and local organizations come together to host fitness events, cooking classes, and health screenings, they create safe spaces for education, empowerment, and connection. Sharing stories, recipes, and culturally relevant resources helps build a lasting culture of wellness rooted in tradition and trust.

Whether it’s through community outreach, bilingual resources, or inclusive care models, MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute is helping Hispanic families in Southern California live longer, healthier lives—without losing touch with their traditions, prioritizing culturally appropriate care by ensuring that language is never a barrier to health. By offering Spanish-speaking care team, interpreters, and translated materials to help patients feel understood and respected.

Beyond language, MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute integrates cultural values into its care practices—recognizing the importance of family involvement, traditional health beliefs, and dietary preferences. This commitment to cultural sensitivity not only improves health outcomes but also strengthens the bond between caregivers and the communities they serve.

To schedule a heart health screening, call (657) 241-9051.

About the Author

Christina Rodriguez Ruiz, M.D., is a board-certified cardiologist and medical director of advanced cardiac imaging at the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center. She specializes in advanced cardiac imaging and is passionate about early detection and prevention of heart disease. Originally from Puerto Rico, Dr. Rodriguez Ruiz earned her medical degree and completed her internal medicine residency at the University of Puerto Rico. She pursued cardiology training at Scripps Clinic in San Diego and advanced imaging at Stanford University. Fluent in Spanish and conversational in French, she provides culturally sensitive care tailored to each patient. Her approach blends technical expertise with compassion, focusing on personalized care and education.