Like obesity, asthma, AIDS, and tuberculosis are some of the most common diseases among Hispanics. In this article, find the 10 leading causes of death among the Hispanic population.
Apparently, the body doesn’t speak a universal language; it has its own. Therefore, some diseases affect more Hispanics, while others are more common among African Americans and Asians.
In addition, each community has a particular health profile. According to the Office of Minority Health of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Puerto Ricans have disproportionate rates of asthma. They also present HIV/AIDS and infant mortality. On the other hand, Mexican Americans present high rates of diabetes.
Among the factors contributing to this reality are cultural and language barriers, lack of access to preventive medical care, and lack of health insurance.
The 10 Main Causes of Death Among Hispanics
Beyond the particular challenges each person faces, knowing the most common tendencies and diseases presented by Hispanics can be very useful for prevention matters. This way, at the slightest sign of one of these conditions, you’ll know if it’s sensitive to consult a doctor. In most cases, early diagnosis can help treat and cure the disease.
A 2008 report by the U.S. Department of Health revealed which diseases caused mortality among Hispanics:
1. Cardiovascular disease
2. Cancer
3. Accidental injuries
4. Stroke
5. Diabetes
6. Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis
7. Homicide
8. Lower respiratory tract disease
9. Influenza and pneumonia
10. Diseases originated in the perinatal period
A Matter of Weight
Among the risk factors that can cause conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, one of the most worrisome is obesity. A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 28.7% of Hispanics have a tendency to be overweight.
More information about this topic here.
However, the solution is not simply following a diet, but making lifestyle changes. That means long-term changes that will undoubtedly impact both physical and emotional health.
Source: “Leading Causes of Death by Race/Ethnicity”, Health, US, 2008 (Tabla 30);
“Perfil de salud de los hispanos/latinos”, Oficina de Salud de las Minorías, Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos; y “Prevalencia específica por estado de la obesidad entre los adultos en Estados Unidos por raza/etnia (2006/2008)”, CDC
