How social barriers put minority groups at greater risk of heart disease

By Alice Clifford via SWNS

Social barriers put minority groups at a greater risk of suffering from heart problems, according to a new report.

Hearts are kept strong with regular physical activity, with a daily 20-minute brisk walk making a significant difference, say scientists.

However, some groups of people may face additional obstacles that affect their ability to get enough exercise each day.

Researchers found that adults who are older, female, Black, have a disability, have depression, are from a lower socioeconomic status or live in rural areas do less physical activity.

Through a lack of physical exercise, they are more likely to develop cardiovascular problems.

These issues include coronary heart disease, angina, heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke.

Professor Gerald Jerome chaired the writing committee for the American Heart Association scientific statement.

Jerome, of Towson University in Maryland, said: “Unfortunately, many groups that have a higher risk of developing heart disease also on average, report lower amounts of physical activity.

"Helping everybody improve their heart health is important.

“We found that many groups who had poor heart health also had low levels of physical activity.

“We know regular physical activity is a key component of optimal heart health.

“These findings provide an opportunity to focus our efforts on physical activity programs in places where people need them the most.”

Cardiovascular disease is responsible for one in four premature deaths in the UK, with those from poorer areas being more likely to die from cardiovascular issues.

The NHS said: “In the UK, those in the most deprived 10 percent of the population are almost twice as likely to die as a result of cardiovascular disease, than those in the least deprived 10 percent of the population.”

The study outlines four ways that can help make physical activity more accessible and reduce cardiovascular health disparities.

The new statement from the American Heart Association suggests people should seek community input, engagement and leadership to help ensure that barriers are addressed and community needs are met.

Also engaging communities in the design, implementation and evaluation of physical activity programs could be an important step towards empowering residents to get involved.

An open dialogue with communities can also help ensure the programs are culturally appropriate.

Community groups should also see how to break down common barriers. These include cost, lack of access, lack of time and lack of knowledge.

Finally, a team approach is needed to increase physical activity levels and give everyone an equal opportunity to exercise.

To do this, healthcare professionals could get involved by promoting physical activity to all patients.

The hope is that with more community support, a greater number of people will become physically active and improve their heart health.

The American Heart Association has created a checklist to measure cardiovascular health.

Life’s Essential 8 lists four health and four behavioral and lifestyle factors that can reduce cardiovascular risk.

The health factors are blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index, while the other four are smoking status, physical activity, sleep and diet.

Adults are also recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week.

To get close to this target, a brisk daily 20-minute walk could do the job.

However, less than one in four American adults achieve the physical activity levels recommended by guidelines.

According to the NHS, during November 2019, around two thirds of adults in the UK were considered active.

Jerome said: “More research funding is needed to support communities and researchers working together to develop engaging and sustainable ways that help residents increase their physical activity levels.

“Lawmakers should expand coverage for preventive care and support, such as assessment and programs that promote physical activity in the clinical setting.”

Scientific statements such as this one outline what is currently known about a topic and what areas need additional research.

While they inform the development of guidelines, they do not make treatment recommendations.

Instead, the American Heart Association guidelines provide the Association’s official clinical practice recommendations.

The statement was published in the journal Circulation.