In United States counties with a high Hispanic concentration, the probability of dying from a heart attack or stroke is 60% greater than in areas with more diverse populations. Among them, there are more people without health insurance, with limited English proficiency, and living below the poverty line.
Communities in the US with a high Hispanic population density have higher death rates from cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks or strokes, than other more diverse neighborhoods, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. In addition, mortality from these causes increases throughout the community, for both Hispanic and non-Hispanic white populations.
In fact, Hispanics have lower cardiovascular mortality rates than non-Hispanic whites, despite their low socioeconomic status being related to poor health. This phenomenon is known as the Hispanic paradox or Latino epidemiological paradox. However, the new study shows that cardiovascular health diseases are more common in environments where the Latino community is the majority.
“This finding challenges notions about the protective effect of cultural enclaves among Hispanics, the so-called ‘Hispanic paradox,’” explains Fatima Rodriguez, a cardiologist at Stanford University and lead author of the study.
Hispanics are one of the largest and fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States. They represent approximately 17% of the population, a figure expected to reach 30% by 2050. They experience a disproportionate burden of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including obesity, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
To understand the relationship between Hispanic population density and mortality from cardiovascular diseases, the researchers analyzed data from 715 counties in the country, with records of 4,769,040 deaths, including 382,416 Hispanics and 4,386,624 non-Hispanic whites.
Zip code matters
In general, the counties with the largest Hispanic population endure worse economic situations, lack of access to quality health services and language barriers. The figures indicate that the number of deaths from cardiovascular diseases in Hispanics in these territories is 60% higher (215.3 compared to 134.2 per 100,000 inhabitants).
“The zip code matters. The results are not so surprising if one takes into account that this population is also more likely to have low incomes, lower levels of education and fewer primary care doctors available,” adds Eduardo Sánchez, medical director of prevention of the American Heart Association (AHA).
In addition, among the residents of these counties (located in the Southwest, South Florida, and in some regions of the Northeast) there are more people without health insurance, limited English proficiency, and living below the poverty line.
Now the authors consider finding out in future studies if these findings are consistent in different Hispanic subgroups, and “to further unravel what neighborhood and individual factors can be improved to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and mortality,” concludes Fátima Rodríguez.
Source: SINC
