How do race and ethnicity affect heart risk?
In the United States, certain racial and ethnic groups face a higher risk of dying from heart disease than others, with the highest risk among blacks. Non-Hispanic whites are second, with the lowest risk seen among Hispanics. Genetic variations that affect blood pressure and distribution of body fat may explain some differences, and smoking rates may also play a role. But non-genetic factors, such as access to healthy food and safe places to exercise, likely also affect a person’s risk.
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