Heart disease is still the No. 1 cause of death among Hispanic women in the United States, according to a report by Hola Arkansas. About eight million women in the United States have heart disease. However, only one in six believe that the health issue is her biggest health threat.

More women die of heart disease than from cancer. Ninety percent of women have at least one factor that makes them prone to heart disease, so it is vital that Latinas understand how to fight and prevent it.

How to Prevent Heart Disease

1. Eat healthy

Women should learn how to cook traditional meals using healthier ingredients. Healthy living should be made a family affair. Mothers have to start reading food labels to determine which items are ideal in keeping the heart healthy and well-functioning.

2. Physical activity

Regular exercise will keep the heart in good shape. Latinas can exercise alone or with their whole family. Do cardiovascular and strength training for 30 to 45 minutes at least three days a week. Look for an activity or sports that you enjoy and make time to do it regularly.

3. Relieve stress

Eurekalert noted that women with anxiety or depression are more prone to heart disease because of the reduced blood flow to the heart. One study showed that anxiety symptoms, which usually overlap with the symptoms of coronary artery disease, can mask actual heart disease symptoms among women but not men. Latinas should make it a habit to get rid of anxiety through approaches like meditation, exercise, sufficient sleep and therapeutic massage.

More Ways to Stop the Condition

4. Control total births

Eureka also cited another study, which showed that Hispanic women who gave birth at least four times were more prone to developing metabolic syndrome that increases the risk of heart disease. Latinas should start planning their family early and aim to limit their total deliveries to no more than three.

5. Education and awareness

Hispanic women should also get more information on how heart disease develops. Women should read more about the condition, risk factors and potential triggers so that they can make early preventive steps. They can join groups and seminars that focus on heart disease as well as empower others who already have the condition. There are groups and charitable organizations that support women with heart disease so they can donate both their time and money.

Awareness and early detection of the symptoms will help Latina women fight heart disease.