Black Americans experience a cardiovascular mortality rate that is 54% higher compared to White Americans. A new study concludes that social elements, rather than conventional clinical aspects, are the primary reasons behind this health inequality. The research emphasizes the critical role of social determinants in shaping health outcomes and calls for comprehensive societal and community-based strategies to mitigate these disparities.
Even though the United States has seen a significant reduction in deaths related to cardiovascular diseases, African Americans still face a 54% greater likelihood of dying from such diseases when compared to Whites.
A groundbreaking study led by Tulane University and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that the racial gaps in cardiovascular mortality are predominantly influenced by social determinants such as unemployment, constrained financial resources, and lack of a supportive partner, rather than factors traditionally considered critical like high blood pressure and obesity.
Dr. Jiang He, the study’s lead author and Joseph S. Copes Chair in Epidemiology at Tulane’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, expressed that while lifestyle elements like smoking, diet, and physical activity, as well as clinical factors like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes are important in cardiovascular disease prevention, it was surprising to find that social factors were the main contributors to the racial disparity in cardiovascular mortality.
The research analyzed health data from over 50,000 adults and looked at the correlation between clinical risk factors, lifestyle risk factors, and social risk factors with cardiovascular mortality. Upon adjusting the data for age and sex, the study found that Black adults faced a 54% higher cardiovascular mortality rate than White adults. This disparity was reduced to 34% and 31% when adjusted for clinical and lifestyle factors, respectively. Intriguingly, the racial disparity disappeared entirely when adjustments were made for social risk factors.
Dr. Jiang He stated, “When controlling for lifestyle and clinical factors, the racial difference in cardiovascular mortality lessened but remained. Yet, when social risk factors were accounted for, the racial difference was completely eradicated.”
This research builds on another recent study from Tulane University that found Black Americans are 59% more likely to die prematurely than White Americans—a disparity that was eliminated upon adjusting for social determinants of health. These social determinants have gained prominence in recent discussions about public health, especially as highlighted by the CDC’s Healthy People 2030 initiative, which identifies eight critical areas of life that are crucial for health and well-being.
According to Dr. He, the findings underscore the need for gainful employment, access to healthcare, and social support systems derived either from families or tight-knit communities. As a follow-up to the study, Dr. He is implementing a program focused on addressing hypertension in Black communities in New Orleans by collaborating with local churches to offer health screening training and free medication.
Dr. He emphasized, “Formulating innovative community-based solutions is imperative for lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease in Black populations.”
The research was financially supported by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.
Reference: “Social, Behavioral, and Metabolic Risk Factors and Racial Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in U.S. Adults” by Jiang He, Joshua D. Bundy, Siyi Geng, Ling Tian, Hua He, Xingyan Li, Keith C. Ferdinand, Amanda H. Anderson, Kirsten S. Dorans, Ramachandran S. Vasan, Katherine T. Mills and Jing Chen, September 2023, Annals of Internal Medicine.
DOI: 10.7326/M23-0507
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Social determinants of cardiovascular mortality
What does the recent research from Tulane University reveal about cardiovascular mortality among Black Americans?
The recent study from Tulane University highlights that social factors, rather than traditional clinical factors, are the primary reasons for the 54% higher cardiovascular mortality rate among Black Americans compared to White Americans.
What are some examples of social determinants mentioned in the research?
The study points out social determinants such as unemployment, limited income, and the absence of a partner as significant contributors to the racial disparities in cardiovascular mortality.
How did the study’s findings change after adjusting for various risk factors?
When the data was adjusted for age and sex, Black adults had a 54% higher cardiovascular disease mortality rate compared to White adults. This disparity reduced to 34% and 31% after adjusting for clinical and lifestyle risk factors, respectively. Importantly, the racial difference in
4 comments
Surprising findings! Traditionally, we blamed health habits. But this study shouts – it’s society! No job, no cash, no partner – big factors. Health initiatives needed, ASAP.
Shockin’ stats! Black vs. White – big diff in heart death. B4, we thot it’s high blood press, obesity. Dis study? Nah, social factors, like unemplymnt & no partner, main culprits. No kiddin’.
Impressive! Cardiac deaths? Black Americans at 54% risk, more than Whites. But now, it’s social, not just health. Jobs, income, no partner – major players. Calls for community action.
dis study’s a eye-opener! black folks facin’ 54% highr death rate in heart probs, but it aint coz of da usual stuff. it’s all them social things like no job, no money, no partner. dat’s whut dis study say. it say we gotta fix dis.