Socioeconomic Status in Early Pregnancy Linked to Long-Term Heart Health Disparities

A groundbreaking study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024 has uncovered a significant link between socioeconomic status during early pregnancy and long-term cardiovascular health disparities among women of different racial and ethnic groups. The research, which analyzed data from more than 4,000 first-time mothers, found that socioeconomic factors were responsible for over half of the differences in heart health scores between Black, Hispanic, and white women up to seven years after giving birth.

The study utilized the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 metrics to calculate cardiovascular health scores for participants. Researchers found that after adjusting for socioeconomic data, the gap in heart health scores between Black and white women was reduced by more than 50%, while the difference between Hispanic and white women was completely eliminated.

Xiaoning 'Jack' Huang, Ph.D., the study's first author, expressed surprise at the extent to which socioeconomic status explained the majority of cardiovascular health differences years after childbirth. This finding underscores the critical importance of addressing social determinants of health in maternal care and highlights the potential impact of policies aimed at reducing economic disparities and improving healthcare access.

The research comes at a crucial time, as the United States faces a rising maternal death rate, with Black women disproportionately affected. Vesna D. Garovic, M.D., Ph.D., an American Heart Association volunteer expert, emphasized the urgent need for public health policies that address the impact of structural racism on maternal health and healthcare in the U.S.

The study's findings support efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability, particularly for socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals. Recent initiatives, such as the expansion of Medicaid coverage to one year postpartum in 47 states and the District of Columbia, align with these goals and may help address maternal health disparities.

While the observational nature of the study limits its ability to prove direct cause and effect, the results provide compelling evidence for the role of socioeconomic factors in long-term maternal cardiovascular health. As the scientific community continues to produce evidence highlighting the importance of social determinants of health, these findings may inform future policies and interventions aimed at promoting health equity across all stages of life.