Socioeconomic Status, Psychosocial Factors, and CVD Risk in Mexican-American Women

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in American women, claiming on average 40% of all female deaths each year. Although the number of CVD-related deaths in the United States has decreased over the last several decades, the rate of decline has been less for women than for men. Specifically, minority women of low socioeconomic status make up a disproportionately high number of CVD cases and related deaths. Previous studies suggest that, in addition to many other variables, psychosocial variables may contribute to ethnic CVD disparities. More research, however, is needed to help understand and reduce these differences. This study will examine the associations among socioeconomic status, psychological and social factors, CVD biomarkers, and CVD in Mexican-American women.