Social Determinants Influencing Cardiovascular Diseases in Adults Aged 60 Years and Older, According to CASEN 2022

Acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among older adults and represent a growing challenge in Chile due to population ageing. Analyzing their social determinants may help guide equitable public action.

To analyze the social determinants that influence cardiovascular diseases in adults aged 60 years and older.

A quantitative study was conducted using secondary data from CASEN 2022, focusing on adults aged 60 years and older. The dependent variable was dichotomous; a probit model was applied, and marginal effects were estimated from the results.

The findings show that older men, Chilean nationals, those with a low educational level, those aged between 60 and 80 years, those with physical and mental difficulties, those living alone, those without social participation, those living in urban areas, and those with low-income levels have a higher probability of presenting cardiovascular diseases.

Older adults with greater social vulnerability are at higher risk of presenting cardiovascular diseases. This may reflect the impact of health inequities in the older population.