Reducing Cardiovascular Risk in Perimenopausal Latinas: Pilot Study of a Multi-Component Intervention
Principal Investigator: Yamnia I. Cortés, PhD, MPH, FNP
Funded by: National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities | K23 Grant
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death among women, and risk of CVD increases substantially during the menopause transition, a midlife stage beginning 4 to 10 years before a the final menstrual period. Increasing evidence suggests that Latinas have a significantly higher risk of developing CVD than non-Latina White women, which can be attributed to multiple sociocultural and environmental factors, including lower socioeconomic position, discrimination and stress. This study will examine whether a community health worker-led behavioral intervention consisting of cardiovascular health education, physical activity, coping skills training, and stress management will reduce CVD risk in midlife Latinas.
