Social-strata-related cardiovascular health disparity and comorbidity in an aging society: implications for professional care.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is on the rise in the aging population of the United States. Heart disease is the leading cause of death, hospital bed use, and social security disability. Enhancing knowledge about CVD may improve social work's professional role in the health care system. This article focuses on a pressing CVD-related issue that needs professional attention-CVD health disparity and the associated mental health comorbidity (depression and anxiety) that predicts poor CVD outcome. Findings from a large-sample clinical trial by the National Institutes of Health call for innovative psychosocial intervention. Implications for professional practice, research, and education are outlined.
Ai
Amy L
AL
School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105-6299, USA. amyai@u.washington.edu
Carrigan
Lynn T
LT
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D015897:Comorbidity; D003863:Depression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012923:Social Class; D012947:Social Work / Q000379:methods; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology