More than 53 million Hispanics live currently in the United States. They constitute 17% of the total U.S. population, and represent the fastest-growing ethnic population. Hispanics are expected to represent 30% of the total U.S. population by 2050 (132 million people).
Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Cuban are the most common Hispanic groups; however, Colombian, Dominican, Guatemalan, and Salvadorian populations have been increasing at an accelerated rate in the last decade.
On Long Island, the Hispanic population exceeds 500,000 people. In the southern districts of the Island, the Hispanic population is more prevalent.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) involving the circulatory (blood) system is the highest cause of death among Hispanics, as it is for the rest of the population of the United States. The incidence of certain forms of CVD is documented to be higher among Hispanics.
Here, Jorge M. Balaguer, MD, a leader on our cardiac surgery service and member of the Stony Brook University Heart Institute, provides essential information about heart disease in Hispanics/Latinos and our transcultural Hispanic Heart Team dedicated to serving Spanish-speaking patients.