Cardiovascular Health Among an Underserved Population: Clinical Implications

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors have seen general reduction efforts in the US.
• Significant disparities in cardiovascular care persist, particularly affecting underserved populations.
• A paradigm shift towards health promotion, rather than solely disease treatment, is emerging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the ongoing disparities in cardiovascular care for underserved populations.
• To emphasize the importance of achieving 2020 health impact goals for cardiovascular health metrics.
• To advocate for early identification of adolescents at high risk for adult cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

• Review of general efforts to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors.
• Analysis of persistent disparities in cardiovascular care access and outcomes.
• Examination of the 2020 impact goals for seven key cardiovascular health metrics.
• Discussion on the timing for identifying high-risk individuals for cardiovascular disease.

Main Results:

• Despite a decade of risk factor reduction efforts, cardiovascular disease disparities remain prevalent.
• The 2020 impact goals aim for improvements in seven cardiovascular health metrics and a 20% reduction in CVD and stroke.
• Early adolescence is identified as a critical period for identifying individuals at high risk for poor cardiovascular health in adulthood.

Conclusions:

• Addressing cardiovascular disease disparities requires continued focus on underserved populations.
• Achieving public health goals necessitates improvements in smoking status, body mass index, physical activity, diet, cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose.
• Proactive identification and intervention during early adolescence are essential for long-term cardiovascular health and disease prevention.