Clinical Report: Incorporating Structural and Social Influences on Cardiovascular Health

Overview

This review evaluates the use of cardiovascular disease as a teaching tool for health professions learners to address structural and social determinants of health. Current data on educational interventions is limited.

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of preventable death globally, with significant disparities in its burden across different social and structural groups. Understanding the social determinants of health is crucial for healthcare professionals to address these disparities. This review synthesizes evidence on educational frameworks that incorporate CVD.

Data Highlights

Five studies met the inclusion criteria, all conducted in the United States, involving various health professions learners. Key findings include improvements in knowledge and attitudes among learners, focusing on hypertension, myocardial infarction, and women’s cardiovascular disease.

Key Findings

• Five studies were included, focusing on medical, pharmacy, and health science students.
• Primary teaching topics included hypertension, myocardial infarction, and women’s cardiovascular disease.
• Race, racism, and socioeconomic status were the most consistently addressed structural determinants.
• Three studies showed improvements in learner knowledge and attitudes.
• One study reported high-quality written reflections in 90%-96% of students.
• Positive qualitative feedback was noted in one study.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should be trained to recognize and address the social and structural determinants of cardiovascular health.

Conclusion

The evidence indicates that using cardiovascular disease as a teaching vehicle for structural and social competency requires further research to strengthen the findings.

Related Resources & Content

1. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
2. Author(s)/Org, Clinical Research in Cardiology, 2017 -- Tailored Prevention Strategies: Insights and Challenges from the Inaugural Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Workshop in Augsburg
3. Author(s)/Org, European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2023 -- Fundamental Eight Factors in Preventing Cardiovascular Disease
4. Author(s)/Org, European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2023 -- Addressing the Challenge: Shifting Focus Towards Preventing Early Onset Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease by Exploring Root Causes
5. Author(s)/Org, AHA/ACC, 2025 -- Use of Risk Assessment to Guide Decision-Making for Blood Pressure Management in the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement
6. Author(s)/Org, Nature Medicine, 2026 -- Lay community health worker-led care with mobile decision support for uncontrolled hypertension: a cluster-randomized trial
7. Lay community health worker-led care with mobile decision support for uncontrolled hypertension: a cluster-randomized trial | Nature Medicine
8. https://nasdoh.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NASDOH-SDOH-Quality-Measures-Table-Revised-2024.02.29.pdf