A recent survey conducted by the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) finds that many Hispanic heart attack survivors view their heart attack as a wake-up call and fear having another heart attack more than dying. The survey also shows that nearly one-third of Hispanics surveyed have had more than one heart attack.

But while many of the Hispanic heart attack survivors polled said they are fearful of having another incident, the survey also indicates that many are not taking the proper steps to prevent a future incident or heart disease, which include exercising, healthy eating and taking appropriate heart medications.

“Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in our community, which is why we are so dedicated to raising awareness about this illness,” said Dr. Elena Rios, president and CEO of the NHMA. “Our survey indicates that many Hispanics are worried about experiencing another heart attack. By sharing these survey findings with the broader community, we hope to remind Hispanic heart attack survivors that they are not alone and there are many ways they can find information and support to live a healthy life.”

To raise awareness in the Hispanic community of heart disease, the NHMA commissioned the survey of Hispanic heart attack survivors. The survey findings are part of the “Heartfelt Wake-Up Call” campaign, which began on behalf of Mended Hearts, a heart patient organization affiliated with the American Heart Association. The campaign offers heart disease information to better support Hispanic heart attack survivors and their caregivers in coping with life after heart attacks. Additional information including tips sheets, survivor stories and heart-healthy holiday recipes is available on www.heartfeltsupport.com and www.mendedhearts.org.

Each year in the U.S., nearly 900,000 people suffer from heart attacks, known medically as myocardial infarction. Within only six years, nearly 20 percent of men and 35 percent of women will have another heart attack a risk that is heightened in the winter months. Heart attacks occur when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is severely reduced or blocked. This narrowing of the coronary vessels is often linked with risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, physical inactivity and obesity. Risk factors may also be associated with family history.

Providing information and support to heart attack survivors is important to remaining heart healthy and avoiding ...