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While heart disease is the number one killer for all Americans, Hispanics face even higher risks of cardiovascular disease because of an increased risk of high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes—all factors for heart disease—according to the American Heart Association.
Aileen Sauris, MS, ANP, is a nurse practitioner in BWH’s Linda Joy Pollin Cardiovascular Wellness Center—the first center of its kind in the region designed to promote heart health throughout local communities. She works to educate the Mission Hill community, and specifically Hispanic women, about heart health during Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) and all year along.
After creating a successful “Heart Healthy Living” cardiovascular risk reduction pilot course for women last year that incorporated physical activity into lectures, Sauris decided to recreate the program in Spanish and offer it to Spanish-speaking women who have a high risk of heart disease.
“As a Hispanic cardiovascular nurse practitioner working in the Pollin Center, I feel as though I have a responsibility to spread the word about heart disease,” Sauris said. “My family has been affected by this disease, and it’s important to spread cardiovascular education and awareness.”
Sauris works closely with Katia Powell, director of Health Equity and Multicultural Initiatives for the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, to brainstorm programs and educational initiatives that could be created to positively benefit multicultural patients and staff.
Sauris is also co-chair of the American Heart Association’s Multicultural Leadership Committee—a group that educates the public about cardiovascular disease and its disproportionate impact on minority populations. Through this program, Sauris brings what she learns back to BWH and her patients.
Working alongside Sauris as committee co-chair, BWH patient Eva Gomez, MSN, RN-NC, CPN, said it feels good to be able to play a role in helping to positively impact cardiovascular health outcomes in local communities. Gomez, a pediatric nurse at Boston Children’s Hospital, knows first-hand about the importance of cardiovascular wellness and how important it is to educate people about heart disease. She had open heart surgery at BWH in 2010 to treat an aortic aneurysm and replace an aortic valve.
“I always say, ‘my heart lives here,’” said Gomez, “BWH is where I had the surgery that saved my life. I can’t thank the hospital enough for the outstanding care they continue to provide me with today.”
Sauris’ Spanish-speaking pilot began with a few six-week sessions this past spring. Due to positive outcomes and improvement in health literacy, another program will be held next year. Sauris is excited to continue the program and provide women with the tools to improve heart health through diet and exercise.
To learn more about cardiovascular health and wellness, contact the Pollin Cardiovascular Wellness Center at 617-582-4821 or email BWHCVwellness@partners.org.