Research has shown a connection between racial and ethnic disparities in maternal heart health and increased risks of preterm birth, preeclampsia, and cardiovascular issues for Black and Hispanic mothers. A new study from Northwestern University suggests that achieving equity in social determinants of health, particularly education, could significantly reduce these disparities.

The study indicates that additional education, along with factors such as income and access to healthcare, could reduce the heart health gap between Black and white women by 82% and eliminate it entirely between Hispanic and white women. "If racial and ethnic groups achieved the same average years of education, the gaps in heart health between the groups could be substantially reduced," said Dr. Natalie Cameron, first author of the study.

Northwestern scientists analyzed data from 9,104 participants in the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study who identified as Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black or non-Hispanic white. They calculated cardiovascular health scores based on blood pressure, body weight, exercise levels, diet, smoking behavior, and sleep. The researchers found that individual- and neighborhood-level factors explained all differences in cardiovascular health between Hispanic and white participants and 82% of differences between Black and white participants.

Dr. Cameron emphasized the need for reform at multiple levels to address these disparities: "From a public health standpoint, we need to improve access to healthy foods...and improve access to preventive healthcare." She also highlighted the role healthcare systems should play in screening for social determinants early in life.

The study was published on January 14th in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. It was supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (R01 HL161514).