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A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association sheds light on the association between social determinants of health and the risk of cardiovascular disease among Asian Americans, including Asian Indian adults. The findings highlight the importance of addressing socioeconomic factors in reducing cardiovascular disease risk within diverse populations.
The research, led by Professor Eugene Yang from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, examined the impact of various social determinants of health, such as unemployment, lack of health insurance, and limited education beyond high school, on cardiovascular disease risk factors. The study aimed to understand how these factors contribute to disparities in cardiovascular health among Asian subgroups.
Analyzing data from 6,395 Asian adults, including a significant proportion of Asian Indian adults, the researchers uncovered notable trends. Asian Indian adults reported a 20 percent likelihood of suboptimal sleep and a 42 percent increased likelihood of insufficient physical activity, both of which are significant risk factors for heart disease.
Furthermore, the study found that higher scores on unfavorable social determinants of health were associated with a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease risk factors across all Asian groups. Specifically, each standard unit increase in the unfavorable social determinant of health score was linked to a 14 percent higher risk of high blood pressure, a 17 percent higher risk of poor sleep, and a 24 percent higher risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Lead author Professor Eugene Yang emphasized the interconnected nature of social determinants of health, highlighting factors such as neighborhood cohesion, economic stability, and access to healthcare. Understanding these complex relationships is crucial for developing targeted interventions to reduce cardiovascular disease risk among Asian subgroups.
“People of South Asian heritage have higher rates of premature heart disease globally, and they recently have been found to have higher cardiovascular mortality than non-Hispanic white people,” Professor Yang stated. “A better understanding of why differences in cardiovascular risk exist among Asian subgroups is vital to reducing risk and improving outcomes.”
The study underscores the need for comprehensive strategies that address social determinants of health to promote cardiovascular health and prevent heart disease among diverse populations. By addressing factors such as unemployment, lack of insurance, and limited education, healthcare providers can help mitigate cardiovascular disease risk and improve health outcomes for Asian Americans and other minority groups.
As cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, initiatives aimed at addressing social determinants of health play a crucial role in promoting health equity and reducing disparities in cardiovascular care. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between social factors and cardiovascular health, paving the way for more targeted interventions and policies to improve heart health for all.
