The following is a summary of “Role of Sex in the Association of Socioeconomic Status With Cardiovascular Health in Black Americans: The Jackson Heart Study,” published in the December 2023 issue of Cardiology by Joseph et al.

In examining cardiovascular health (CVH) among Black Americans within the Jackson Heart Study, socioeconomic status (SES) indicators such as income, education, occupation, and insurance were evaluated for their association with CVH scores. The study focused on American Heart Association CVH components scored at baseline, adjusting for age, sex, and discrimination. Results indicated that lower income, education, occupation, and insurance status were linked to decreased CVH scores (all P<0.01). 

Notably, the impact of SES on CVH exhibited differences based on gender, with a more pronounced effect seen in women than men. For instance, the lowest education level demonstrated an 8.8-point decrease in CVH scores for women versus a 5.4-point decrease for men. Similarly, the impact of income level appeared to have a greater influence on CVH scores in women than in men. These findings highlight the importance of considering gender disparities when addressing CVH through interventions targeting socioeconomic factors among Black Americans.

Source: ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.123.030695