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Eliminating disparities in cardiovascular health: six strategic imperatives and a framework for action

George A Mensah1

  • 1Office of the Director, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mail stop K-40, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717, USA. ghm8@cdc.gov

Circulation
|March 17, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Cardiovascular health disparities persist across US population subgroups despite national mortality declines. This review presents a framework with strategic imperatives and focal areas to accelerate interventions and eliminate these health inequities.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Health Equity

Background:

  • Significant cardiovascular health disparities exist among US population subgroups based on race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, education, and geography.
  • These disparities have a profound adverse impact on clinical outcomes and quality of life, despite overall declines in cardiovascular mortality.
  • Eliminating these health inequities is a key goal of the Healthy People 2010 agenda, yet actionable guidance remains limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a comprehensive framework for action to eliminate cardiovascular health disparities.
  • To outline strategic imperatives, focal areas, and settings for accelerated interventions.
  • To guide public health efforts towards achieving health equity in cardiovascular health.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes existing evidence to propose a strategic framework.
  • It identifies 6 strategic imperatives, 10 focal areas, and 6 major settings for intervention.
  • The framework emphasizes the need for innovative, evidence-based interventions.

Main Results:

  • A framework for action is presented, detailing 6 strategic imperatives to address cardiovascular health disparities.
  • The framework highlights 10 focal areas and 6 major settings requiring accelerated interventions.
  • Key elements for success include innovative interventions, strategic partnerships, and investment in research and workforce development.

Conclusions:

  • Eliminating cardiovascular health disparities requires innovative, comprehensive interventions grounded in scientific evidence.
  • Success hinges on strategic partnerships across diverse sectors and community engagement.
  • Investment in local surveillance, community-based research, and a diverse workforce is crucial for achieving health equity.

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