Health issues in the Arab American community. Managing cardiovascular risk barriers to optimal health outcomes in the Arab American patient.

Heart disease accounts for 38% of all deaths in the United States. The American Heart Association identified cardiovascular disease (CVD) as the most common cause of hospitalization in 2002. Direct and indirect costs of CVD have reached a total of $393.5 billion in 2005. Despite great advances in the treatment of CVD, high mortality rates and poor clinical outcomes persist. It has been estimated that a 17-year gap exists for research to reach clinical practice. More than half a million Americans of Arab ancestry live in Michigan. Similar to other ethnic groups, Arab Americans face challenges within the US healthcare system that hinder optimal clinical outcomes. Evidence-based studies targeting the Arab American population do not exist. Small observational studies provide limited data of questionable value.