Recent data published in the American Heart Association (AHA) journal highlight the intersection of public health and social factors with increased risk of heart disease among Asian Americans.
In 2021, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that 18.6% of all the deaths among Asian Americans are caused by heart disease. For Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, it’s 18.3%.
The alarming data and heightened risk of Asian Americans to contract heart diseases points to the much deeper issue of health inequities.
Healthcare is not a standalone issue but a complex social challenge shaped by numerous factors, including Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). SDOH and the intersections of socioeconomic status, race, language, and healthcare access all play a role in the health of Asian Americans.
Research from the University of Washington School of Medicine revealed that unfavorable SDOH significantly contributes to higher risks of cardiovascular risk in Asian American subgroups.
The lead researcher Dr. Eugene Yang, cardiologist and clinical professor of medicine at the university, stated that there is a general perception that Asian Americans are not as impacted by SDOH compared to other racial and ethnic groups, despite his findings arguing otherwise.
The University of Washington study concluded Asian Americans are often grouped together as a “model minority,” masking the vast diversity within the community. This stereotype perpetuates a harmful rhetoric, acting as a racial wedge that hides the struggles of subethnic groups within the community who experience poverty at disproportionately high rates.
Data from Pew Research Center reports that 10% of Asian Americans overall live in poverty. According to the report, poverty rates vary widely across groups within the demographic. In 2022, Burmese and Hmong Americans were among the Asian groups with the highest poverty rates, with 19% and 17% respectfully.
Socioeconomic disparities directly affect healthcare access, making it difficult for many Asian Americans to receive preventive care or manage chronic conditions like heart disease.
Along with socioeconomic status, language barriers are an underlying factor that play into Asian Americans lacking the healthcare they need. Research posted in the National Library of Medicine found that the lack of translation services and bilingual healthcare workers is an overwhelming issue for Asian Americans seeking healthcare.
Generalizations obscure the unique risks faced by subgroups, particularly South Asians, who report to have the highest rates of heart disease among Asian Americans in California, according to Stanford Healthcare.
These healthcare disparities are compounded by a lack of representation in medical research. According to the AHA, Asian Americans are largely misrepresented in medical research. Often grouping Asian Americans together as one group, researchers overlook the nuances and distinctions between the various subgroups within the community.
Healthcare systems must be equipped to address the unique needs of diverse communities, particularly as the growing Asian American population continues to face these barriers.
Ongoing research continues to explore the interplay of social determinants and their impact on Asian Americans’ health.
It is increasingly evident that confronting health inequities is essential to ensuring a healthier future for Asian Americans.
AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc.
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