If you’re reading this, chances are high that you or someone you know has either suffered from a heart attack or a stroke or is at high risk of developing these conditions in the future.

Heart attacks and strokes, two of the most common forms of cardiovascular diseases, continue to be the leading causes of death globally, with over 17 million people dying from them each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

It is a well-known fact that several factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

However, there is one factor that is often overlooked but has a significant impact on the mortality rates of heart attacks and strokes – socioeconomic status (SES).

What Is SES, and Why Does It Affect Mortality Rates of Heart Attacks and Strokes?

SES refers to a person’s social and economic position in society compared to others. It takes into account factors such as income, education level, occupation, and the degree of urbanization of a person’s neighborhood.

Several studies have shown that individuals with a lower SES have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and a higher mortality rate following a heart attack or stroke.

There are several reasons why SES has an impact on the mortality rates of heart attacks and strokes.

Firstly, people with a lower SES are more likely to have unhealthy lifestyles and behaviors that increase their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and a high-sugar diet. Secondly, people with a lower SES are more likely to live in areas with higher pollution levels and a more significant incidence of crime, which affects their overall health and well-being.

Thirdly, people with a lower SES have limited access to healthcare resources and may delay seeking medical attention when symptoms of cardiovascular diseases appear, which can worsen their condition and increase their mortality rate.

Effects of SES on the Health of the Heart

Studies have also shown that SES has a significant impact on the structure and function of the heart.

Individuals with a lower SES have a higher prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy, a condition where the muscle walls of the left ventricle, the main pumping chamber of the heart, become thickened and stiff. This condition can lead to heart failure and increase the risk of death following a heart attack or stroke.

Research has also shown that individuals with a lower SES have higher levels of stress, which can increase the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.

Prolonged exposure to stress hormones can lead to inflammation and damage to the blood vessels, increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and hypertension.

Addressing the SES Factor to Reduce Mortality Rates of Heart Attacks and Strokes

Addressing the SES factor is crucial to reduce mortality rates of heart attacks and strokes. There are several strategies that can be implemented to reduce the impact of SES on cardiovascular diseases.

Firstly, public health policies should focus on improving access to healthcare resources for individuals with lower SES. This could be achieved by increasing the number of healthcare providers in underprivileged areas, providing free or low-cost medical care, and increasing awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Secondly, there should be a focus on educating individuals with lower SES about the dangers of an unhealthy lifestyle and the importance of adopting healthy behaviors.

This could be achieved by implementing community-based interventions, such as creating public areas for exercise, providing nutritional education programs, and offering free smoking cessation programs.

Thirdly, there should be efforts to address the social determinants of health that affect individuals with lower SES, such as poverty, unemployment, and inadequate housing.

This could be achieved by implementing programs that provide affordable housing, improving access to education and job training programs, and promoting economic growth in underprivileged areas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the impact of SES on the mortality rates of heart attacks and strokes cannot be ignored.

Individuals with a lower SES are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and are more likely to have a higher mortality rate following a heart attack or stroke. Addressing the SES factor is crucial to reducing mortality rates, and there are several strategies that can be implemented to reduce the impact of SES on cardiovascular diseases.