Abstract WE497: The Geography of a Heartbeat: Mapping the Social Drivers of Cardiovascular Mortality

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death in the US. Although most states have made significant headway in reducing their CVD death rates, some still lag behind. West Virginia has one of the highest rates of CVD in the country. To better understand risk levels in different communities, studies have found risk factors of CVD. Three of those factors are median household income (Income), primary care physician shortages (PCP shortage), and food desert status (FD). While each contributes to CVD mortality, no study focuses on the specific intersections between a combination of these factors and the CVD death rate. Aim: The study evaluates if multiple risk factors lead to a worse CVD prognosis compared to each factor individually. Method: Data collected were Income, PCP shortage, FD, and the death rate within WV from the Census Bureau, AMA, US Department of Agriculture, and the WV HHS, respectively. A multiple variable linear regression analysis was performed for each combination of factors towards the death rate. Results: Each factor (Income: F(1,537)=53.39, p<0.0001; PCP shortage: F(1,537)=21.49, p<0.0001; FD: F(1,537)=5.126, p=0.024) did show a significant correlation with CVD mortality, which is consistent with previous studies. When analyzing the intersections, two of the two-way combinations showed statistical significance (PCP need+Income: F(1,537)=22.03, p<0.001; FD+Income: F(1,537)=5.226, p=0.022), but the PCP+FD two-way combination and the three-way did not show any significance. Conclusion: The change in CVD mortality appears to be multifactorial, and focusing on a more holistic approach at the community level can lower the death rate.