ST. LOUIS — A study in the Lancet Regional Health — Americas highlights a growing cardiovascular health divide in the U.S., showing that wealth and education significantly impact heart disease risk.
Led by Dr. Salma Abdalla of Washington University in St. Louis, the research finds that high-income, college-educated Americans have far lower rates of heart disease, with disparities widening over the past two decades.
Abdalla began the research at Boston University before joining WashU’s new School of Public Health, according to WashU.
Despite the U.S. spending more on healthcare than other high-income nations, outcomes lag, especially for lower-income, less-educated individuals. Life expectancy for the richest 1% is 10 years higher than the poorest 1%.
Analyzing 20 years of data from nearly 50,000 adults, researchers found low-income, non-college graduates had significantly higher odds of heart failure, angina, heart attack and stroke than wealthier, college-educated peers. Disparities persisted even after adjusting for demographics and health markers, with income and education strongly linked to better heart health.
The study suggests income and education strongly influence heart health, with factors like stress, healthcare access, lifestyle and support systems contributing to disparities.
“The accumulation of economic and educational advantages appears to drive better health outcomes, rather than any single factor alone,” Abdalla said. “Wealth and education cluster among a small, advantaged group, while the majority of Americans face an increased risk of heart disease.”
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