Racial disparities in cardiovascular disease risk: mechanisms of vascular dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Vascular Biology
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the US, disproportionately affecting non-Hispanic Black (BL) individuals.
• Elevated CVD risk in BL individuals is linked to impaired vascular function, including reduced vasodilator capacity and heightened vasoconstrictor responsiveness.
• These vascular impairments are present even in young, healthy BL individuals, suggesting early-onset mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review historical and recent data on vascular function in BL individuals.
• To explore the relationship between impaired vascular function, oxidative stress, and nitric oxide bioavailability.
• To discuss sex-specific differences in vascular dysfunction and identify future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Review of laboratory data on peripheral and cerebral vascular function in BL individuals.
• Analysis of oxidative stress markers and nitric oxide bioavailability.
• Comparison of vascular function data between BL men and women.

Main Results:

• BL individuals exhibit reduced vasodilator capacity and heightened vasoconstrictor responsiveness in both peripheral and cerebral circulations.
• These impairments are associated with increased oxidative stress and decreased nitric oxide bioavailability.
• Divergent mechanisms contribute to impaired vasodilation in BL men and women.

Conclusions:

• Impaired vascular function, linked to oxidative stress and reduced nitric oxide, contributes significantly to elevated CVD risk in BL individuals.
• Understanding these mechanisms, including sex-specific differences, is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
• Future research should focus on filling knowledge gaps to improve CVD prevention and treatment strategies for this population.