Socioeconomic aspects of cardiovascular health

Vicki Myers, Yariv Gerber*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Extensive epidemiological evidence has demonstrated the socioeconomic ­gradient in cardiovascular health, with the most disadvantaged individuals at greatest risk of developing and dying from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Large-scale studies, beginning in the 1960s, reported significant associations between coronary mortality and occupation grade, income, and education. Individuals with low socioeconomic status (SES) additionally have a poorer prognosis post-myocardial infarction. Explanatory mechanisms explored here include differential access to medical care, differences in risk factor profiles, health literacy, and psychological and environmental factors. The influence of neighborhood SES is examined, beyond individual socioeconomic profile, as well as SES trajectory throughout life, and the relative importance of childhood versus adult SES in the development of CVD. Finally methodological factors are considered, examining the limitations of SES research, measurement issues, and risk prediction. It is proposed that SES should be considered in cardiovascular risk assessment, and that policy changes have the potential to minimize socioeconomic inequalities in cardiovascular health.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInterdisciplinary Concepts in Cardiovascular Health
Subtitle of host publicationVolume I: Primary Risk Factors
PublisherSpringer-Verlag Wien
Pages187-203
Number of pages17
ISBN (Electronic)9783709113349
ISBN (Print)9783709113332
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2013

Keywords

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Epidemiology
  • Mortality
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Prognosis
  • Risk prediction
  • Socioeconomic status

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Socioeconomic aspects of cardiovascular health'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this