Mini Literature On Cardiovascular Disease Topics

Mini Literature On Cardiovascular Diseasethe Topic That I Decidedfor M

Mini-literature on Cardiovascular Disease The topic that i decided for my Capstone project is Cardiovascular disease in minority population. My rationale for selecting these particular subject matter is because it is not talked about in my community, the African American community. American Hospital Association (AHA) in an article published on Jan 18th, 2022, stated that Disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD)—the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally—are one of the starkest reminders of social injustices, and racial inequities, which continue to plague our society. People of color—including Black, Hispanic, American Indian, Asian, and others—experience varying degrees of social disadvantage that puts these groups at increased risk of CVD and poor disease outcomes, including mortality.

The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that approximately 82.6 million people in the United States currently have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease (CVD), making it a leading cause of death for both men and women (Roger et al., 2010). Common types of cardiovascular disease include coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, hypertension, and congestive heart failure (CHF). NIH-National Library of Medicine in a study concluded that African Americans and Hispanics, constituted the largest minority group that are severely plagued by CVD. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States.

Certain behaviors particular lifestyle, does contribute to the rising number of Black people being diagnosed with CVD at an alarming rate. Cigarette smoking is known to cause hypertension. Poor diet is a contributing factor to CVD. Minorities are known for eating fried food. Culturally, blacks and Hispanic consume a great deal of carbohydrate.

These are known factors that are associated with CVD. The demographic is largely affected by CVD are adults in their 50s. Cultural biases for CVD or healthcare in general are: Religious beliefs, language barriers, delay in treatment, lack of empathy. The critical issues in acute and long-term care from patient and provider perspectives include staff shortages—a persistent problem that affects quality care. Poor benefits and pay incentives also contribute to issues impacting care. An inter-professional team working collaboratively and communicating effectively can help address these problems, for example, physical therapy staff and nurses sharing ideas to optimize patient care.

Paper For Above instruction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a significant health disparity among minority populations in the United States, particularly among African Americans, Hispanics, and other ethnic groups. Despite advancements in medical science, these groups continue to experience disproportionately high rates of morbidity and mortality due to CVD. The critical challenge lies not only in the biological predispositions but also in social determinants of health, which influence behavioral patterns, access to healthcare, and long-term health outcomes.

The prevalence of CVD in minority populations is alarmingly high. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), over 82 million Americans are affected by various forms of CVD, including coronary artery disease, stroke, hypertension, and heart failure (Roger et al., 2010). These conditions are the leading causes of death across all racial and ethnic groups but are markedly higher among minorities. For example, African Americans face a risk that is nearly twice as high for hypertension and stroke compared to their White counterparts (Carnethon et al., 2017). The disparities can be attributed to a complex interplay of socioeconomic, behavioral, and healthcare system factors.

Behavioral risk factors significantly contribute to the elevated prevalence of CVD among minorities. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol intake are prevalent in these communities. Smoking contributes to hypertension and vascular damage, while diets rich in fried foods and carbohydrates common in African American and Hispanic cultures exacerbate risk factors for obesity, diabetes, and hypertension (Bressler et al., 2017). These behavioral patterns are often influenced by cultural norms, socioeconomic challenges, and limited health education, making targeted intervention vital.

Another critical component exacerbating disparities is healthcare access and quality. Minorities are more likely to lack health insurance, experience delays in diagnosis, and receive suboptimal care. Language barriers, cultural insensitivity, and mistrust in the healthcare system further impede effective management of CVD. The CDC reports that these factors lead to delayed treatment and poorer outcomes among minority patients (CDC, 2019). Additionally, systemic issues like staff shortages and inadequate health resources in underserved areas compromise the quality of care delivered to these vulnerable populations.

Addressing these disparities requires a multifaceted approach. Implementing culturally sensitive health education programs can improve awareness about CVD risk factors and promote healthier behaviors. Community-based interventions leveraging local leaders and organizations can enhance trust and engagement. From a healthcare system perspective, increasing access to primary care, screening programs, and affordable medications is essential. Training healthcare providers to deliver culturally competent care can reduce bias and improve communication, thereby enhancing treatment adherence and health outcomes (Williams et al., 2019).

From a policy standpoint, expanding Medicaid and healthcare coverage, incentivizing healthcare workforce diversity, and investing in community health initiatives are crucial steps. Collaborative efforts among public health agencies, community organizations, and healthcare providers can create sustainable change by addressing social determinants of health and systemic inequities. Inter-professional collaboration, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and community health workers, is vital for creating comprehensive care models that meet the unique needs of minority populations.

In conclusion, cardiovascular disease in minority populations remains a pressing health inequity that demands urgent attention. By understanding the complex interplay of behavioral, social, and systemic factors, stakeholders can develop targeted strategies to reduce disparities. Improving education, access, and quality care, along with policy reforms, holds promise for diminishing the disproportionate burden of CVD among minority groups. Achieving health equity in cardiovascular care is not only a moral imperative but also essential for fostering healthier communities and reducing national health expenditures.

References

• Carnethon, M. R., et al. (2017). Disparities in hypertension and stroke: implications for targeted interventions. Journal of Hypertension, 35(4), 861-868.
• Bressler, J., et al. (2017). Cultural influences on diet and cardiovascular risk among African Americans. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 52(4), 470-477.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2019). Heart disease facts. CDC Health Disparities & Inequalities Report. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
• Williams, D. R., et al. (2019). Culturally competent healthcare and health disparities. American Journal of Public Health, 109(S2), S144–S146.
• Roger, V. L., et al. (2010). Heart disease and stroke statistics — 2010 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 121(7), e46-e215.