Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of premature death in the United States, and a new study has shed light on the alarming disparities in mortality rates across different socioeconomic groups. The research, published in the journal Scientific Reports, analyzed county-level data on premature cardiovascular mortality associated with a condition known as “cardio-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome.” The findings reveal that individuals living in the most socially deprived counties have a significantly higher risk of dying from CKM-related heart disease before the age of 65, compared to those in more affluent areas.
Uncovering the Cardiovascular Mortality Divide
The study, conducted by a team of researchers from Case Western Reserve University, the University of Glasgow, and several other institutions, used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate the relationship between social determinants of health and premature cardiovascular mortality in the United States. The researchers focused on CKM syndrome, a condition that encompasses the intersection of metabolic, renal, and cardiovascular diseases, which is a major contributor to premature heart-related deaths.
Stark Disparities Across Socioeconomic Lines
The findings paint a troubling picture of the stark health disparities in the United States. The researchers found that the median CKM-related premature age-adjusted cardiovascular mortality (aaCVM) rate in the most socially deprived counties was 88.7 per 100,000 residents, compared to just 44.7 per 100,000 in the least deprived counties. This means that individuals living in the most disadvantaged areas were nearly twice as likely to die prematurely from CKM-related heart disease.
The disparities were even more pronounced when the data was broken down by gender, location, and race. Men had significantly higher aaCVM rates than women, with the median rate for men being 84.9 per 100,000 compared to 40.7 per 100,000 for women. Additionally, non-metropolitan counties had higher rates than metropolitan areas, and non-Hispanic Black residents had nearly double the aaCVM rate of non-Hispanic White residents.
Addressing the Social Determinants of Cardiovascular Health
The findings of this study highlight the critical role that social determinants of health play in shaping cardiovascular outcomes. Factors such as poverty, education, employment, housing, and access to healthcare can all contribute to the development and progression of CKM syndrome, leading to premature mortality.
To address this issue, the researchers emphasize the need for targeted public health interventions and policy changes that address the underlying social and economic disparities in communities. This could include initiatives to improve access to affordable healthy food, promote physical activity, and enhance the availability of quality healthcare services in underserved areas.
Implications and Future Research
The study’s findings have significant implications for the future of cardiovascular health in the United States. As the population continues to age and the active workforce shrinks, the high rates of premature mortality in socially deprived areas could have far-reaching economic and societal consequences.
Going forward, the researchers suggest that further studies are needed to explore the nuances of CKM syndrome and its relationship with different stages of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, investigating the impact of specific social determinants on various CKM phenotypes could help inform more targeted interventions.
By addressing the social determinants of health and reducing the disparities in cardiovascular outcomes, the United States can take a significant step towards improving the overall health and wellbeing of its citizens, and ultimately, reducing the burden of premature heart disease-related mortality.
Author credit: This article is based on research by Antoinette Cotton, Pedro R V O Salerno, Salil V Deo, Salim Virani, Khurram Nasir, Ian Neeland, Sanjay Rajagopalan, Naveed Sattar, Sadeer Al-Kindi, Yakov E Elgudin.
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