Hispanic women face inequities affecting maternal health outcomes

(Press-News.org) DALLAS, May 8 2023 — Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms.[1]  The American Heart Association, through the new campaign, “My health is our health”/ “Mi salud es nuestra salud” is raising awareness among Hispanic/ Latina moms, especially during pregnancy, about the importance of managing their blood pressure. On average, about one in every 16 Hispanic women aged 20 and older have coronary heart disease, the most common type of heart disease.[2]

Hispanic/Latina mothers hold a special place in their homes when it comes to family decisions. They are considered the head of the family for their key role in raising children and teaching younger generations. More than 61% of Hispanic/ Latina mothers are also part of the U.S. workforce.[3] Juggling multiple roles - from family responsibilities, which often include caring for aging parents, to demanding jobs, and often low wage,[4] may leave them with less time to prioritize their health. In fact, adverse outcomes related to cardiovascular diseases disproportionately affect Hispanic/Latina mothers.[5] These cardiovascular related adverse childbirth outcomes have increased in the U.S., widening racial and ethnic disparities. Hispanic/Latinas prioritize caring for their own health not only for personal benefit but for the health of their children.[6]

The Association’s awareness campaign goal is to reach and engage Latinas through social media, tools and resources shared through strategic alliances to support women during all stages of maternal care, starting with the importance of managing their blood pressure. Blood pressure is the key vital sign to detecting hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, like preeclampsia.[7] In fact, women of Hispanic ethnicity may develop high blood pressure at a younger age and have a higher average blood pressure than other non-Black racial groups, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.[8]

Women can measure their blood pressure at home regularly and inform their trusted medical professional , pharmacist or doctor if it is often above 120/80 mm Hg, which is the Association’s evidence-based threshold for elevated blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure lifestyle, such as getting enough sleep, an adequate amount of exercise, eating heart-healthy, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking, can go a long way to reducing women’s cardiovascular disease risk.

The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives for all, advises Latina mothers to take the first step toward heart health by visiting their clinic, doctor’s office or local pharmacy to check their blood pressue and then learn how to check your blood pressure at home and keep it under control. For more information and tips on maternal health and managing blood pressure during all stages of pregnancy, visit: La hipertensión arterial y las mujeres | Go Red for Women and Embarazo y salud materna | Go Red for Women.

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Additional Resources:

Multimedia is available on the right column of release link. Spanish news release AHA President’s Advisory: Structural racism causes poor health, premature death from heart disease and stroke AHA 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home | American Heart Association: Control de la presión arterial en casa | American Heart Association Administracion de Recursos y Servicios de Salud | Official web site of the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (hrsa.gov) About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

About Go Red for Women

The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For 19 years, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).

[1] Petersen EE, Davis NL, Goodman D, et al. Vital Signs: Pregnancy-Related Deaths, United States, 2011–2015, and Strategies for Prevention, 13 States, 2013–2017. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019;68:423–429. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6818e1   

[2] Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association | Circulation (ahajournals.org)

[3] Women and Heart Disease | cdc.gov

[4] Women of Color and the Wage Gap - Center for American Progress

[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33222806/

[6] Petersen EE, Davis NL, Goodman D, et al. Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Pregnancy-Related Deaths — United States, 2007–2016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019;68:762–765. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6835a3  

[7] Preeclampsia and Pregnancy-Related Hypertensive Disorders - PubMed (nih.gov)

[8] FastStats - Health of Hispanic or Latino Population (cdc.gov)

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