Zip Code Health Disparities: Mapping Cardiovascular Inequities at the Neighborhood Level

Abstract

This review examines the multifaceted impact of neighborhood-level social determinants of health (SDOH) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and outlines strategic interventions for mitigating cardiovascular health inequities. Research highlights that environmental and socioeconomic factors within a neighborhood-including education, unemployment, healthcare access, racial segregation, systemic inequities, air quality, housing quality, and other SDOH-influence CVD outcomes. Addressing CVD disparities necessitates a comprehensive strategy that integrates policy reform, enhanced community infrastructure, improved healthcare access, and community empowerment and leverages innovative technology to create equitable health outcomes across diverse populations.

Keywords: cardiovascular health; social determinants of health; zip codes.