A recent study has shed light on the alarming rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among racialized and Indigenous communities across Europe and the Americas. The research highlights that CVD is the leading cause of death globally, but not everyone faces the same risks. Groups like Black, South Asian, and Indigenous peoples are disproportionately affected compared to white populations.
This disparity is not just a coincidence; it’s closely linked to social factors such as poverty, inadequate housing, and poor access to healthcare. Dr. Sonia Anand, the lead author of the study from McMaster University, emphasized that women’s health in marginalized communities is particularly at risk.
The research was published in August 2024 as part of the Lancet Regional Health-Europe initiative, aiming to address inequalities in cardiovascular health. These findings will be presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in August 2025.
One major issue pointed out by the study is the inconsistency in collecting racial and ethnic data within health-care systems. This lack of data makes it hard to identify who is most at risk and to create effective treatments.
For example:
- In Canada, while ethnic data is collected for the census, it’s often missing in healthcare databases, making it difficult to assess real-time disparities.
- European countries frequently use inadequate proxy measures like country of birth because they lack standardized ethnicity data.
- In regions like Mexico and Central America, there’s little to no collection of ethnicity data, especially for Indigenous populations.
Dr. Sujane Kandasamy, another co-author, noted the critical gap this creates in addressing health inequalities.
The study also focuses on Indigenous groups, showing that those who have maintained traditional lifestyles report better cardiovascular health despite systemic barriers. Miles Marchand, an Indigenous cardiologist involved in the study, highlighted the positive impact of restoring traditional practices on heart health.
The authors of the study propose several actionable recommendations. They urge governments to actively monitor cardiovascular health trends using self-reported data, encourage screening in high-risk communities, and provide affordable treatments. They also suggest promoting healthy lifestyles that resonate culturally among diverse populations.
This research not only serves as a wake-up call but also outlines a pathway towards more equitable healthcare. Understanding the unique challenges different communities face is crucial for building a health system that truly serves everyone.
For more detailed insights, you can refer to the original study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe here.
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Heart, Heart Disease, Blood, Blood Pressure, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Global Health, Health Systems, High Blood Pressure, Medicine, Research
