New research reveals that everyday discrimination can fuel smoking habits and increase heart disease risk, with Hispanic women particularly affected. A study by New York University researchers found that discrimination’s impact on cardiovascular health varies significantly across racial, ethnic, and gender groups.
The investigation, part of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), involved 6,814 participants aged 45 to 84 who were initially free of clinical cardiovascular disease. Researchers examined the relationships between discrimination, cigarette smoking, and indicators of cardiovascular disease risk.
Hispanic women emerged as a group uniquely impacted by this chain of events. The study showed a significant indirect effect of discrimination on plaque formation in their arteries through increased cigarette use. This finding highlights the complex interplay between social factors and health outcomes for this demographic.
The research also found that Hispanic and White men who experienced discrimination were more likely to smoke, leading to increased thickness of their carotid artery walls. Hispanic men additionally showed a positive indirect effect of discrimination on plaque formation.
Overall, racial and ethnic minority individuals exhibited higher carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaque compared to White individuals, pointing to broader health disparities.
The study underscores the importance of considering varying intersecting identities and social positions when developing strategies to combat health disparities. Researchers emphasize the need for an intersectional approach to understand and address the complex relationship between discrimination and cardiovascular disease risk.
This research provides crucial insights for developing targeted interventions to reduce health disparities among diverse populations, particularly highlighting the unique challenges faced by Hispanic women in the context of discrimination, smoking, and heart health.
See “Discrimination Drives Smoking Habits, Hurting Heart Health” (February 26, 2024)
