In a new study published in the open-access journal PLOS Medicine, researchers have found that lower socioeconomic status is associated with higher rates of death from coronary artery disease compared to higher socioeconomic status. The researchers, Dr. Yachen Zhu and Dr. Charlotte Probst, report that more than half of the disparities can be explained by four unhealthy behaviors: smoking, alcohol use, physical inactivity, and BMI. Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries supplying the heart cannot deliver enough oxygen-rich blood due to plaque buildup, and is a major cause of death in the U.S. Previous studies have reported conflicting results on whether certain unhealthy behaviors, like smoking, are primarily responsible for the observed disparities in deaths from the disease.
The researchers used data from 524,035 people aged 25 years and older whose mortality statuses were recorded in the National Death Index and who answered the National Health Interview Survey on demographics and health behaviors. Education was used as the primary indicator for socioeconomic status in the study. The team investigated the four behavioral risk factors mentioned earlier and found that together, these factors explained 74% of the differences in mortality risk from coronary artery disease in men belonging to different socioeconomic levels and 61% in women. The results suggest that addressing unhealthy behaviors could potentially reduce the disparities in deaths from the disease among different socioeconomic groups.
The study highlights the need for effective public health policies and interventions that address each of these unhealthy behaviors separately and together, as these behaviors often cluster among individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The researchers urge public health campaigns to raise awareness about heart health with messaging and outreach efforts customized for male and female audiences. By targeting these specific behaviors, public health initiatives may be able to reduce the socioeconomic disparities in deaths from coronary artery disease in the U.S. It is crucial to address these behaviors in order to improve overall heart health and reduce the burden of the disease, especially among those with lower socioeconomic status.
These findings add to the existing body of research on the relationship between socioeconomic status and coronary artery disease, shedding light on the importance of addressing behavioral risk factors in reducing mortality from the disease. By understanding the impact of unhealthy behaviors on disparities in deaths from coronary artery disease, public health efforts can be better equipped to target interventions that lead to positive health outcomes for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status. The study emphasizes the potential for behavior change interventions to make a significant impact on reducing the burden of the disease, especially among those with lower socioeconomic status.
The researchers call for a comprehensive approach to addressing the behavioral risk factors associated with coronary artery disease, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions that take into account the specific needs and challenges faced by individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds. By developing strategies that address smoking, alcohol use, physical inactivity, and BMI, public health campaigns can work towards reducing the disparities in deaths from the disease. The study underscores the importance of public health efforts in promoting heart health and reducing the impact of coronary artery disease on individuals with lower socioeconomic status. By targeting these specific behaviors, public health initiatives have the potential to improve health outcomes and reduce the burden of the disease in the population as a whole.
In conclusion, the study highlights the significant impact of unhealthy behaviors on the disparities in deaths from coronary artery disease among individuals with different socioeconomic status. By addressing smoking, alcohol use, physical inactivity, and BMI through targeted interventions and public health campaigns, it may be possible to reduce the burden of the disease and improve overall heart health. The findings emphasize the importance of developing effective strategies that take into account the specific needs of individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds and provide tailored interventions to address the behavioral risk factors associated with the disease. Overall, these results contribute to our understanding of the relationship between socioeconomic status and coronary artery disease, and highlight the need for comprehensive public health initiatives to reduce the impact of the disease on vulnerable populations.
