For cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the US, both black and Hispanic adults have higher rates of many major risk factors including physical inactivity1, obesity1-3, higher levels of Fasting Blood Glucose2, and high cholesterol1, 2. Blacks also have higher rates of hypertension1-3, and are more likely to die experience well-documented excess mortality rates3. Experts are anticipating that, given high prevalence of risk factors, most importantly the metabolic syndrome4, similar disparities in cardiovascular mortality may soon emerge for Hispanics as well5.
Beyond cardiovascular disease, these populations face poverty, unemployment, racism, and high rates of major and traumatic life stress, all of which can contribute to high rates of depression and anxiety symptoms. Even the physical environment adds to the levels of stress: empty buildings that can become criminal and drug havens, boarded up storefronts, lack of groceries providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables (so-called “food deserts”). Disparities in access to health services, and these environmental conditions, as well as personal and family factors linked to poverty are related to health disparity outcomes in complex ways that are only beginning to be understood.
Links between depression and cardiovascular disease have been well documented, but the reasons for the link are not well understood. Decreased physical activity, poor dietary habits, medication non-adherence, and a direct impact on inflammation have been suggested.