Global study shows racialized, Indigenous communities face higher burden of heart disease made worse by data gaps

A recent study has unveiled the higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) faced by racialized and Indigenous communities in Europe, North America, and Central America. The lack of comprehensive health care data exacerbates this issue.

Although CVD is a leading cause of death globally, it disproportionately affects certain populations. Black, South Asian, and Indigenous groups in many countries experience elevated rates of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure compared to white populations. Without a clear understanding of the most vulnerable groups and the reasons behind these disparities, health systems struggle to provide equitable and efficient care.

The study, featured in The Lancet Regional Health-Europe, is co-authored by researchers from McMaster University as part of a commission addressing cardiovascular health inequalities. The findings will be presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s (ESC) Congress 2025 in Madrid on August 29.

Lead author Sonia Anand, a professor at McMaster’s Department of Medicine, emphasizes that the study reveals how social disadvantages like poverty, inadequate housing, and limited access to care are closely linked to these disparities. The research particularly highlights the heightened impact on women from marginalized communities.

A significant issue highlighted in the study is the inconsistent collection and reporting of racial data in health care systems worldwide. This gap hinders the identification of high-risk groups for CVD, personalized prevention and treatment strategies, and the development of policies to address these risks.

• In Canada, ethnicity data is collected in the census but not in health care administrative databases, impeding real-time tracking of disparities.
• Most European countries lack standardized ethnicity data in health care, relying on inadequate proxy measures like country of birth.
• In Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, ethnicity and race data are seldom collected, with limited information on Indigenous health.
• While the United States consistently collects race and ethnicity data, the categories may not be detailed enough, particularly within diverse groups like Asian Americans.

The study underscores the critical importance of accurate race and ethnicity data in addressing disparities in heart health. Co-author Sujane Kandasamy, an assistant professor at McMaster’s Department of Medicine, emphasizes the need for this data to be integrated into health systems to uncover and address hidden inequalities.

The research includes a special section on Indigenous populations in each region, revealing the ongoing impact of marginalization and colonialism on their cardiovascular health. Despite facing barriers to care, Indigenous groups that have preserved or reclaimed their traditional lifestyles exhibit improved cardiovascular health.

The authors propose a roadmap for more equitable care and policies, aiming to save lives and reduce healthcare costs. Recommendations include governments monitoring cardiovascular health trends using self-reported data, clinicians screening high-risk communities, and public health programs promoting affordable treatments, physical activity, and culturally tailored nutrition.