AHA Scientific Sessions 2026 Abstract · Nov 2, 2026
Culturally Tailored Dietary Interventions and Cardiovascular Health in Ethnically Diverse Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
By Ravinuthala RP, Gyimah FT
Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is particularly prevalent within racial and ethnic minority communities; however, conventional lifestyle interventions to address CVD often do not adequately account for cultural beliefs, dietary practices, language, and social context influencing individuals’ ability to practice healthy behaviors. Tailored interventions based upon cultural principles are increasingly being implemented to reduce cardiovascular risk among ethnically diverse populations; however, the literature has not provided a comprehensive evaluation of these interventions. Objective: To systematically review the evidence related to culturally tailored lifestyle and nutritional interventions designed to reduce cardiovascular risk among ethnically diverse adult populations and quantify the effect size of these interventions on systolic blood pressure (SBP). Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA standards and prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42026136669). PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus were searched from inception through the last search date. Eligible studies reported cardiometabolic or cardiovascular outcomes resulting from culturally tailored dietary or lifestyle interventions among adults aged ≥18 years. Restricted maximum likelihood estimation random-effects meta-analysis was used to assess SBP outcomes. Results: Of 1,287 records identified, 56 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. These interventions were implemented across diverse populations, including African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, and immigrant communities. Seven studies were eligible for quantitative synthesis. Meta-analysis demonstrated that culturally tailored interventions significantly reduced SBP compared with control conditions (MD = -4.25 mm Hg; 95% CI, -6.59 to -1.91; P < .001), with low-to-moderate heterogeneity (I ² = 38%). Qualitative evidence consistently indicated beneficial effects on cardiometabolic risk factors and health-promoting behaviors, such as diet quality, physical activity, weight management, and disease self-management. Conclusion: Culturally tailored lifestyle interventions result in clinically relevant reductions in SBP and represent an effective strategy for reducing cardiovascular risk among ethnically diverse populations. Future research should evaluate long-term cardiovascular outcomes and support large-scale implementation.