Cardiovascular Health

Hypertension is a considerable risk factor to heart disease which is currently the leading cause of death in America. Among the existing literature, Arab Americans tend to have a higher rate of cardiovascular disease. One study conducted found that among this population, the prevalence of hypertension was 36.5% with a higher prevalence in men and people over the age of sixty (Tailakh, 2013). In a cross sectional study conducted in Michigan, Arab Americans were found four times more likely to have heart disease than Black Americans (Jamil, 2008). Data indicates that among this population there are lower rates of awareness and control of hypertension which is most likely due to access to healthcare and beliefs/knowledge of hypertension (Tailakh, 2013). Among the existing literature, there is no indication of developing interventions or control measures in order to decrease numbers or focus on this certain population. In both studies, it was mentioned that higher rates of cardiovascular disease may be in correlation with the higher rates of obesity and diabetes in this particular community. Other factors contributing to health disparities in these areas may include sedentary lifestyle, not enough healthy foods, lower physical activity, and other lifestyle choices that belong to individual ties to Arabic culture (Abuelezam, 2018).

Racial and ethnic disparities exist in awareness and treatment in the U.S which leads minority groups to be at a greater risk. There needs to be culturally relevant heart disease interventions for this community.