Coronary artery disease in hispanics

Although Hispanic Americans have shared in the nationwide reduction in coronary artery disease over the past 25 years, mortality data indicate that coronary artery disease remains the leading cause of death in this population. This article reviews the incidence of mortality due to myocardial ischemia and the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors including cigarette smoking, hypertension, serum lipids, diabetes mellitus, and obesity in Hispanic Americans. Management strategies necessary to reduce cardiovascular risk factors in Hispanic Americans as well as sociocultural issues relevant to nursing research and practice are discussed.