Cardiovascular Risk Disparities: Socio-Emotional Pathways

One in four women in the United States has some form of CVD, which includes heart disease, high blood pressure, and heart attack. Minority and low socioeconomic status populations show particularly disproportionate rates of CVD morbidity and mortality. Previous research suggests that individuals with lower social status may suffer negative emotional and physical health consequences due to increased stress experienced across multiple areas of life. It is believed that stress may directly affect behavioral, physiological, and emotional risk processes, which have all been linked to increased CVD risk. In addition, people with low socioeconomic status are often less capable of seeking psychosocial resources with which to manage stress, making them especially vulnerable to the associated physical and emotional wear and tear. More information is needed on the effects of psychosocial variables on the cardiovascular health of minority, specifically Mexican-American, women. This study will examine the associations among socioeconomic status, psychological and social factors, CVD biomarkers, and CVD in Mexican-American women.

Participation in this study will involve two home visits, with total participation time lasting about 6 hours. During the first study visit, participants will complete a variety of questionnaires on stressful experiences, social relationships, background and culture, thoughts and emotions, health habits, and medical history. Participants will also have their blood pressure measured and will be given a container and instructions to perform a 12-hour overnight urine collection.

During the second study visit, occurring a couple of days after the first visit, participants will undergo a blood draw, physical and vital sign measurements, and a training session on how to use an ambulatory blood pressure monitor and handheld computer diary. Participants who fit properly into the arm cuff of the ambulatory blood pressure monitor will then be asked to wear the monitor for 36 hours. Every time the monitor records a blood pressure reading, participants will be asked to use their handheld computer diary and answer questions about temperature, exercise, posture, stress, mood, and social interactions. There will be a total of 52 to 56 diary entries, taking between 2 and 3 minutes to complete each entry. Within 1 month, participants will receive a letter summarizing their health profile in terms of weight, cholesterol levels, and blood glucose. Participants will also be provided with information on seeking appropriate treatments for any health problems discovered on their profile.