Disproportionate Impact of Heart Disease Mortality on Low-Income Communities in California
A comprehensive study reveals that heart disease mortality rates are disproportionately higher in low-income communities in California, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention and policy efforts to address health disparities.
Recent research shared at the ACC Quality Summit 2025 highlights a troubling trend: heart disease mortality rates are rising across California, with low-income communities suffering a disproportionate burden. The study analyzed data from sources such as CDC WONDER and the California Department of Public Health, focusing on trends from 2018 to 2022. Findings revealed that while some areas show improvements, others continue to experience high mortality rates due to socioeconomic disparities.
In particular, low-income regions like Fresno and Kern counties exhibit significantly higher death rates—105.5 and 89.2 per 100,000 people respectively—compared to wealthier counties like Marin, which has a rate of just 44 per 100,000. This stark contrast underscores the influence of socio-economic factors such as income levels, age, gender, and the prevalence of risk factors like hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.
The study emphasizes that systemic barriers in underserved communities hinder access to preventive care, screenings, and treatment options. To address this, researchers advocate for community-based interventions promoting education on nutrition, physical activity, and early detection, alongside policies targeting social determinants of health like income inequality and food insecurity.
Lead researcher Ryan Nazari stresses that socioeconomic disparities are strongly linked to higher cardiovascular risks. The findings suggest that targeted efforts to reduce health inequities are critical for overall improvements in heart health across California. While focused on California, the implications of this research extend across the United States, highlighting the need for more equitable health strategies nationwide.
In conclusion, tackling systemic barriers and implementing tailored community interventions are essential steps toward reducing the disproportionate impact of heart disease in marginalized populations and improving health outcomes for all.
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