Social Determinants of Health and Disparities in Hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Social Epidemiology
• Health Disparities Research

Background:

• High blood pressure leads to over 10 million preventable global deaths annually, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries.
• Significant cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality disparities persist, such as in the US where Black individuals experience 4x higher CVD mortality than White individuals.
• Social determinants of health (SDOH) are complex factors influencing health outcomes, including hypertension and CVD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how SDOH contribute to disparities in hypertension and related CVD morbidity.
• To examine these disparities through socioecological and life course perspectives.
• To identify evidence-based strategies for mitigating these health inequalities.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing evidence on SDOH and hypertension/CVD disparities.
• Analysis from socioecological and life course theoretical frameworks.
• Identification of community-tailored and cross-sectoral intervention strategies.

Main Results:

• SDOH are identified as primary drivers of hypertension and CVD health inequities.
• Evidence supports the need for multilevel interventions addressing social and environmental factors.
• Tailored strategies and community engagement are essential for effective CVD risk reduction.

Conclusions:

• Addressing social determinants of health is fundamental to reducing hypertension and CVD disparities.
• Cross-sector collaboration and community-specific interventions are vital for health equity.
• Achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 requires focused efforts on SDOH to decrease premature CVD mortality.