# Social Determinants of Cardiovascular Health: Yes, They Matter—But What Can We Do to Address Them?

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how social factors like poverty and education affect heart health and suggests ways to reduce health disparities.

## Contribution

The paper connects specific social determinants to cardiovascular health metrics and proposes multilevel interventions for addressing disparities.

## Key findings

- Adverse social determinants are linked to worse cardiovascular health outcomes, particularly in under-resourced communities.
- Interventions like produce prescriptions and community health worker programs show promise but lack long-term evidence.
- Multilevel strategies combining clinical care, policy, and research are needed to effectively address social determinants.

## Abstract

Awareness of how social determinants of health (SDoH) shape cardiovascular outcomes is increasing, yet evidence on effective interventions remains limited. This review examines the associations between Healthy People 2030 SDoH domains and cardiovascular health (CVH), defined by the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 (LE8), and highlights interventions with potential to reduce disparities.

Adverse SDoH—including economic instability, limited education and healthcare access, neighborhood disadvantage, and low social support—are consistently linked to lower LE8 scores and higher CVH burden, especially in under-resourced communities. Promising interventions include produce prescriptions, culturally tailored education, community health worker integration, built environment enhancements, and peer support models. However, most studies target single determinants, involve short follow-up, or focus on limited populations, leaving gaps in scalability and equity impact.

Addressing SDoH is essential for improving LE8 behaviors and factors. Progress requires multilevel, equity-centered strategies that align clinical care, policy, and research, while expanding rigorous trials to guide sustainable, community-driven solutions.