Growing evidence suggests experiencing racial discrimination may increase the risk of developing heart disease, according to a scientific statement from the American Heart Association.
The statement, published Thursday in the journal Circulation, notes that Black adults in the U.S. are 30% more likely than white adults to die from heart disease. This disparity has been linked to socioeconomic factors like lower income and education levels, which are themselves influenced by structural racism.
However, the AHA’s review of recent research indicates that racism itself, independent of socioeconomic status, is emerging as a key factor. Studies have found associations between self-reported experiences of discrimination and higher risk of hypertension, obesity and type 2 diabetes – all major heart disease risk factors.
“The stress of experiencing discrimination may contribute to elevated blood pressure, for example,” said Dr. Tené Lewis, associate professor of epidemiology at Emory University and chair of the group that wrote the AHA statement. “Over time, this can lead to wearing down of the cardiovascular system.”
The authors call for more research to understand the mechanisms linking racism to poorer heart health, as well as increased diversity in the biomedical research workforce. Currently, Black individuals account for only 5% of cardiovascular disease studies.
“Identifying and dismantling racist policies and practices must be a public health priority in order to eliminate disparities and achieve cardiovascular health equity for all,” the statement concludes.
See “Link between racial discrimination and heart disease gaining acceptance” (May 24, 2024)
