Two recent studies featuring Duke researchers highlight how heart health and hospital visits vary among racial and ethnic groups in the United States, especially as people get older.
The first study, published in PLOS One, followed changes in key heart health risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking over time. It found that these risks are not experienced equally. Black and Hispanic adults often face worse outcomes, with differences in income, education, and access to care playing a major role.
The second study, published in the American Heart Journal, focused on people with heart failure and how often they are hospitalized. It found that Black patients are more likely to be admitted to the hospital multiple times, partly due to conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and living in disadvantaged communities.
These findings show that social and economic conditions have a powerful impact on health. They also point to the need for more focused support to improve care and reduce avoidable hospital visits.