Common Healthcare

…risks for the Hispanic Community

Recognize your risks

Common Healthcare risks for the Hispanic Community

Because of genetics and environment, each unique ethnic group in the United States is at an increased risk for developing certain conditions. It’s important to recognize your risks so you can seek proper diagnosis and treatment.

Several health issues are more prevalent in Hispanic people than the general population:

Obesity

About 8 in 10 adult Hispanics are overweight or obese, and Hispanic children are twice as likely to be obese as non-Hispanic children. Excess weight can increase the risk for several serious diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Nearly 1 in 4 Hispanics has high blood pressure, which can be a precursor to a heart attack, stroke, kidney disease or heart failure.

Heart disease

About 1 in 5 Hispanic deaths in the United States are due to heart disease. Obesity contributes to heart disease among Hispanics, as does high cholesterol, although high blood pressure rates are about the same as other groups. You can lower your risk of heart disease by keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol levels within healthy ranges and developing other heart healthy habits. Eating a low-fat, low-sodium diet can help, along with getting regular exercise and adequate sleep. Stress can raise blood pressure, so if you’re feeling stressed, try to find ways to reduce or manage stress, such as deep breathing, meditation, and spending time in nature.

Diabetes

Hispanics have higher-than-average rates of type 2 diabetes and related complications, such as kidney disease. Diabetes can also raise the risk of heart disease. Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes and your diet plays a major role not just in your weight, but also in managing your blood sugar levels. Build most of your meals around whole foods such as whole grains, vegetables and lean proteins. Minimize processed foods, such as white rice or white flour, white tortillas, crackers and chips, and foods with added salt or sugar.

Chronic Liver Disease

Hispanics are at higher risk for developing certain liver diseases. Although the exact cause is unknown, it can be a result of conditions such as chronic alcoholism, obesity and exposure to hepatitis B and C viruses.

Fatty Liver Disease (NASH)

The number of U.S. adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) currently sits around 25%. Approximately 2-3% of them will go on to develop non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is a more severe form of NAFLD and can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. By 2030, it is estimated this number will increase from 2-3% to up to 63%. Hispanics are the ethnic group at greatest risk of developing NASH due to the high-sugar and high-fats diet which results in the liver storing excess fat and resulting in inflammation over time. Eventually, the inflammation progresses to cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer, the need for a liver transplant, and even death. NASH also has a close association with other conditions such as heart disease

Cancer

Cancer accounts for about 1 in 5 Hispanic deaths and those who were born outside of the United States are at higher risk for specific cancers related to infections, such as stomach, liver or cervical cancer. To help reduce your risk, talk to your doctor about which cancer screening exams you should have – such as a mammogram, Pap smear, colonoscopy and skin cancer check – and how often. Having these exams as recommended can detect many types of cancer early, when it is most treatable.