Shedding Light on Latino Heart Health — A Valentine’s Day Weekend Wish

Valentine’s Day — a day about love, connection, and the precious people who hold our corazón. But beyond chocolates and roses, this day also reminds us of the heart that makes every love story possible: our own heart.

Heart disease remains the   leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for more deaths than all cancers combined. According to the American Heart Association (AHA) 2025 Heart Disease & Stroke Statistics Update, more than 940,000 Americans died from cardiovascular disease in a single recent year, nearly 1 in 3 deaths. (AHA 2025 Report)

For many in Latino communities, love is tied to familia, shared meals, celebrations, traditions, and collective care. Yet the same communities face significant   heart health challenges:

• High blood pressure affects Latino adults at similar or higher rates than the general population, increasing risk for stroke and heart attack.
• Obesity and diabetes, both risk factors for cardiovascular disease, are more prevalent in Hispanic/Latino adults than in non-Hispanic White adults.
• Despite these risk factors, Hispanic/Latino people are underrepresented in clinical research, making it harder to tailor prevention and care strategies to our communities. (AHA Continuing Efforts Report)

These aren’t abstract numbers. These are our abuelos, nuestros padres, our hermanos y hermanas — the very people who make our communities whole.

Bridging Awareness and Action

Understanding risk is one thing. Acting on it is another,  especially when systemic barriers like lack of culturally responsive care, language challenges, and limited access to care exist. The AHA also reports that nearly half of U.S. adults have some form of cardiovascular disease or related risk factors, highlighting why prevention and early care matter more than ever. (AHA 2025 Report).

At The Imagen Group, we know that health communication isn’t just about facts,  it’s about meeting people where they are, with messages that speak to their lived experiences, culture, and values. That’s why we work alongside:

• Healthcare providers
• Academic researchers and institutions
• Government agencies and public health departments
• Private sector partners

…to ensure outreach and engagement strategies connect not only to the mind, but also the corazón of the communities they serve.

❤️ What You Can Do Today

Taking care of your heart is an act of love — not just for you, but for your familia:

• Know your numbers: Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checks are vital.
• Move with loved ones: A daily walk after meals can make a difference.
• Eat with intention: Heart-healthy versions of cultural dishes can nourish without sacrificing flavor.
• Find care you trust: Culturally responsive providers help close gaps in prevention and treatment.

Our Valentine’s Day Wish

This Valentine’s Day, our wish is simple:

That we choose love — for ourselves, our families, and our communities.

At The Imagen Group, we are honored to partner with organizations across sectors to support heart health initiatives that are equitable, effective, and culturally grounded. Because when messaging connects to the heart and soul of a community, the impact goes far beyond awareness — it becomes action.

From our familia to yours — take care of your corazón, today and every day. ❤️

The Imagen Group. Inc. is a California based social impact marketing and communications firm led by Angelica Urquijo a former news anchor and medical reporter. Our goal connecting to the heart and soul, while educating and empowering diverse communities. Behavior change programs among the specialties led by the bilingual team of communications, public relations and community engagement teams at The Imagen Group.