Forecasting the Burden of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke in the United States Through 2050-Prevalence of Risk Factors and Disease: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease and stroke are common and costly, and their prevalence is rising. Forecasts on the prevalence of risk factors and clinical events are crucial. METHODS: Using the 2015 to March 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and 2015 to 2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, we estimated trends in prevalence for cardiovascular risk factors based on adverse levels of Life's Essential 8 and clinical cardiovascular disease and stroke. We projected through 2050, overall and by age and race and ethnicity, accounting for changes in disease prevalence and demographics. RESULTS: We estimate that among adults, prevalence of hypertension will increase from 51.2% in 2020 to 61.0% in 2050. Diabetes (16.3% to 26.8%) and obesity (43.1% to 60.6%) will increase, whereas hypercholesterolemia will decline (45.8% to 24.0%). The prevalences of poor diet, inadequate physical activity, and smoking are estimated to improve over time, whereas inadequate sleep will worsen. Prevalences of coronary disease (7.8% to 9.2%), heart failure (2.7% to 3.8%), stroke (3.9% to 6.4%), atrial fibrillation (1.7% to 2.4%), and total cardiovascular disease (11.3% to 15.0%) will rise. Clinical CVD will affect 45 million adults, and CVD including hypertension will affect more than 184 million adults by 2050 (>61%). Similar trends are projected in children. Most adverse trends are projected to be worse among people identifying as American Indian/Alaska Native or multiracial, Black, or Hispanic. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of many cardiovascular risk factors and most established diseases will increase over the next 30 years. Clinical and public health interventions are needed to effectively manage, stem, and even reverse these adverse trends.

2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association.

BACKGROUND: The American Heart Association (AHA), in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and obesity) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose control, and metabolic syndrome) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The AHA Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, brain health, complications of pregnancy, kidney disease, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, sudden cardiac arrest, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, valvular disease, venous thromboembolism, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs). METHODS: The AHA, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States and globally to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2024 AHA Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2023 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and AHA staff members. The AHA strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional global data, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains. RESULTS: Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics. CONCLUSIONS: The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Shared Decision-Making and Cardiovascular Health: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Shared decision-making is increasingly embraced in health care and recommended in cardiovascular guidelines. Patient involvement in health care decisions, patient-clinician communication, and models of patient-centered care are critical to improve health outcomes and to promote equity, but formal models and evaluation in cardiovascular care are nascent. Shared decision-making promotes equity by involving clinicians and patients, sharing the best available evidence, and recognizing the needs, values, and experiences of individuals and their families when faced with the task of making decisions. Broad endorsement of shared decision-making as a critical component of high-quality, value-based care has raised our awareness, although uptake in clinical practice remains suboptimal for a range of patient, clinician, and system issues. Strategies effective in promoting shared decision-making include educating clinicians on communication techniques, engaging multidisciplinary medical teams, incorporating trained decision coaches, and using tools (ie, patient decision aids) at appropriate literacy and numeracy levels to support patients in their cardiovascular decisions. This scientific statement shines a light on the limited but growing body of evidence of the impact of shared decision-making on cardiovascular outcomes and the potential of shared decision-making as a driver of health equity so that everyone has just opportunities. Multilevel solutions must align to address challenges in policies and reimbursement, system-level leadership and infrastructure, clinician training, access to decision aids, and patient engagement to fully support patients and clinicians to engage in the shared decision-making process and to drive equity and improvement in cardiovascular outcomes.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association.

BACKGROUND: The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs). METHODS: The American Heart Association, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2023 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2022 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. The American Heart Association strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) publications, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains. RESULTS: Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics. CONCLUSIONS: The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Design and Rationale of the Social Determinants of the Risk of Hypertension in Women of Reproductive Age (SAFE HEART) Study: An American Heart Association Research Goes Red Initiative.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular health literacy (CVHL) and social determinants of health (SDoH) play interconnected and critical roles in shaping cardiovascular health (CVH) outcomes. However, awareness of CVH risk has declined markedly, from 65% of women being aware that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women in 2009 to just 44% being aware in 2019. The American Heart Association Research Goes Red (RGR) initiative seeks to develop an open-source, longitudinal, dynamic registry that will help women to be aware of and participate in research studies, and to learn about CVD prevention. We proposed to leverage this platform, particularly among Black and Hispanic women of reproductive age, to address CVHL gaps and advance health equity. METHODS: The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the cross-sectional association of cardiovascular health literacy (CVHL), SDoH using a polysocial score, and CVH in women of reproductive age at increased risk of developing hypertension (HTN). To achieve this we will use a cross-sectional study design, that engages women already enrolled in the RGR registry (registry-enrolled). To enhance the racial and ethnic/social economic diversity of the cohort, we will additionally enroll 300 women from the Baltimore and Washington D.C. community into the Social Determinants of the Risk of Hypertension in Women of Reproductive Age (SAFE HEART) Study. Community-enrolled and registry-enrolled women will undergo baseline social phenotyping including detailed SDoH questionnaire, CVH metrics assessment, and CVHL assessment. The secondary objective is to assess whether a 4-month active health education intervention will result in a change in CVHL in the 300 community-enrolled women. DISCUSSION: The SAFE HEART study examines the association between CVHL, SDoH, and CVH, with a focus on racial and ethnic minority groups and socioeconomically disadvantaged women of reproductive age, and the ability to improve these parameters by an educational intervention. These findings will inform the future development of community-engaged strategies that address CVHL and SDoH among women of reproductive age.

Design and rationale of the cardiometabolic health program linked with community health workers and mobile health telemonitoring to reduce health disparities (LINKED-HEARTS) program.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension and diabetes are major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Disparities in hypertension control persist among Black and Hispanic adults and persons living in poverty in the United States. The "LINKED-HEARTS Program" (a Cardiometabolic Health Program LINKED with Community Health WorkErs and Mobile HeAlth TelemonitoRing To reduce Health DisparitieS"), is a multi-level intervention that includes home blood pressure (BP) monitoring (HBPM), blood glucose telemonitoring, and team-based care. This study aims to examine the effect of the LINKED-HEARTS Program intervention in improving BP control compared to enhanced usual care (EUC) and to evaluate the reach, adoption, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of the program. METHODS: Using a hybrid type I effectiveness-implementation design, 428 adults with uncontrolled hypertension (systolic BP ≥ 140 mm Hg) and diabetes or CKD will be recruited from 18 primary care practices, including community health centers, in Maryland. Using a cluster-randomized trial design, practices are randomly assigned to the LINKED-HEARTS intervention arm or EUC arm. Participants in the LINKED-HEARTS intervention arm receive training on HBPM, BP and glucose telemonitoring, and community health worker and pharmacist telehealth visits on lifestyle modification and medication management over 12 months. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants with controlled BP (<140/90 mm Hg) at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The study tests a multi-level intervention to control multiple chronic diseases. Findings from the study may be leveraged to reduce disparities in the management and control of chronic diseases and make primary care more responsive to the needs of underserved populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT05321368.

Associations between hysterectomy and metabolic syndrome: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is linked to an increased risk of incident cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Notable associations exist between hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and metabolic syndrome. However, there is emerging evidence that even with ovarian conservation, hysterectomy may be independently associated with long-term cardiovascular disease risk. OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between hysterectomy with ovarian preservation and metabolic syndrome risk in a multiethnic cohort. STUDY DESIGN: We studied 3367 female participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis who had data on self-reported history of hysterectomy, oophorectomy, hystero-oophorectomy, and metabolic syndrome at baseline (2000-2002). We used adjusted logistic regression to assess the cross-sectional associations between hysterectomy and or oophorectomy subgroups and prevalent metabolic syndrome at baseline. Furthermore, we investigated 1355 participants free of baseline metabolic syndrome and used adjusted Cox regression models to evaluate incident metabolic syndrome from examinations 2 (2002-2004) to 6 (2016-2018). RESULTS: The mean age was 59.0±9.5 years, with 42% White, 27% Black, 19% Hispanic, and 13% Chinese American participants. 29% and 22% had a history of hysterectomy and oophorectomy, respectively. Over a median follow-up of 10.5 (3.01-17.62) years, there were 750 metabolic syndrome events. Hysterectomy (hazard ratio, 1.32 [95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.73]) and hystero-oophorectomy (hazard ratio, 1.40 [95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.74]) were both associated with incident metabolic syndrome compared with having neither hysterectomy nor oophorectomy. CONCLUSION: Hysterectomy, even with ovarian preservation, may be independently associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome. If other studies confirm these findings, screening and preventive strategies focused on females with ovary-sparing hysterectomies and the mechanisms underpinning these associations may be explored.

Prevalence and Disparities in Telehealth Use Among US Adults Following the COVID-19 Pandemic: National Cross-Sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND: Telemedicine expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, though use differed by age, sex, race or ethnicity, educational attainment, income, and location. It is unclear if high telehealth use or inequities persisted late into the pandemic. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of, inequities in, and primary reasons for telehealth visits a year after telemedicine expansion. METHODS: We used cross-sectional data from the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 6), the first cycle with data on telemedicine. In total, 4830 English- and Spanish-speaking US adults (aged ≥18 years) were included in this study. The primary outcomes were telehealth visit attendance in the 12 months before March 7, 2022, to November 8, 2022, and the primary reason for the most recent telehealth visit. We evaluated sociodemographic and clinical predictors of telehealth visit attendance and the primary reason for the most recent telehealth visit through Poisson regression. Analyses were weighted according to HINTS 6 standards. RESULTS: We included 4830 participants (mean age 48.3, SD 17.5 years; 50.28% women; 65.21% White). Among US adults, 38.78% reported having a telehealth visit in the previous year. Telehealth visit attendance rates were similar across age, race or ethnicity, income, and urban versus rural location. However, individuals with a telehealth visit were less likely to live in the Midwest (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 0.65, 95% CI 0.54-0.77), and more likely to be women (aPR 1.21, 95% CI 1.06-1.38), college graduates or postgraduates (aPR 1.24, 95% CI 1.05-1.46), covered by health insurance (aPR 1.56, 95% CI 1.08-2.26), and married or cohabitating (aPR 1.17, 95% CI 1.03-1.32), adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, frequency of health care visits, and comorbidities. Among participants with a telehealth visit in the past year, the primary reasons for their most recent visit were minor or acute illness (32.15%), chronic disease management (21%), mental health or substance abuse (16.94%), and an annual exam (16.22%). Older adults were more likely to report that the primary reason for their most recent telehealth visit was for chronic disease management (aPR 2.08, 95% CI 1.33-3.23), but less likely to report that it was for a mental health or substance abuse issue (aPR 0.19, 95% CI 0.10-0.35), adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and frequency of health care visits. CONCLUSIONS: Among US adults, telehealth visit attendance was high more than a year after telemedicine expansion and did not differ by age, race or ethnicity, income, or urban versus rural location. Telehealth could continue to be leveraged following COVID-19 to improve access to care and health equity.

Association Between the Composite Cardiovascular Risk and mHealth Use Among Adults in the 2017-2020 Health Information National Trends Survey: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have suggested that the relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and the usage of mobile health (mHealth) technology may vary depending on the total number of CVD risk factors present. However, whether higher CVD risk is associated with a greater likelihood of engaging in specific mHealth use among US adults is currently unknown. OBJECTIVE: We aim to assess the associations between the composite CVD risk and each component of mHealth use among US adults regardless of whether they have a history of CVD or not. METHODS: This study used cross-sectional data from the 2017 to 2020 Health Information National Trends Survey. The exposure was CVD risk (diabetes, hypertension, smoking, physical inactivity, and overweight or obesity). We defined low, moderate, and high CVD risk as having 0-1, 2-3, and 4-5 CVD risk factors, respectively. The outcome variables of interest were each component of mHealth use, including using mHealth to make health decisions, track health progress, share health information, and discuss health decisions with health providers. We used multivariable logistic regression models to examine the association between CVD risk and mHealth use adjusted for demographic factors. RESULTS: We included 10,531 adults, with a mean age of 54 (SD 16.2) years. Among the included participants, 50.2% were men, 65.4% were non-Hispanic White, 41.9% used mHealth to make health decisions, 50.8% used mHealth to track health progress toward a health-related goal, 18.3% used mHealth to share health information with health providers, and 37.7% used mHealth to discuss health decisions with health providers (all are weighted percentages). Adults with moderate CVD risk were more likely to use mHealth to share health information with health providers (adjusted odds ratio 1.49, 95% CI 1.24-1.80) and discuss health decisions with health providers (1.22, 95% CI 1.04-1.44) compared to those with low CVD risk. Similarly, having high CVD risk was associated with higher odds of using mHealth to share health information with health providers (2.61, 95% CI 1.93-3.54) and discuss health decisions with health providers (1.56, 95% CI 1.17-2.10) compared to those with low CVD risk. Upon stratifying by age and gender, we observed age and gender disparities in the relationship between CVD risk and the usage of mHealth to discuss health decisions with health providers. CONCLUSIONS: Adults with a greater number of CVD risk factors were more likely to use mHealth to share health information with health providers and discuss health decisions with health providers. These findings suggest a promising avenue for enhancing health care communication and advancing both primary and secondary prevention efforts related to managing CVD risk factors through the effective usage of mHealth technology.

African Immigrants' perceptions and attitudes toward cardiovascular health.

AIM: To explore perceptions and attitudes of African immigrants (Ghanaians, Nigerians, Liberians, and Sierra Leoneans) in the Baltimore-Washington, DC, metropolitan area toward cardiovascular health. METHODS: This was a qualitative study among African immigrants recruited from religious and community-based organizations in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. A purposive sample of 66 African immigrants originally from Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone completed a sociodemographic survey and participated in focus group discussions. Focus group data were analysed using qualitative description to develop emergent themes. RESULTS: A total of 66 African immigrants with a mean (±standard deviation) age of 51 (±11.8) years participated in the focus group discussions. Fifty percent were women, 91% had at least a bachelor's degree, 84% were employed, 80% had health insurance, and 75% were married/cohabitating. The majority of the participants (74%) had lived in the US for 10 years or more, 44% of them had hypertension, and 12% had diabetes. Findings from the focus group discussions revealed: gender differences in descriptions of cardiovascular health and healthiness, an emotional response associated with cardiovascular disease (evoking fear and anxiety and associated with family secrecy), positive and negative lifestyle changes after migration, cardiovascular screening behaviours, and facilitators and barriers to cardiovascular disease prevention practices and heart-healthy lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS: Participants understood health to be a holistic state of well-being. Secrecy in disclosing their cardiovascular disease diagnoses informed by historical socio-cultural belief systems, perceived racial discrimination by healthcare providers, communication and health literacy barriers, economic barriers of holding multiple jobs and the exorbitant cost of heart-healthy foods were identified as some barriers to achieving optimal cardiovascular health in this immigrant population. IMPACT: Our study expanded on the body of knowledge on African immigrants' perceptions and attitudes toward cardiovascular health. Addressing this knowledge gap will provide important intervention opportunities targeted at improving cardiovascular health outcomes in this population. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

Continuous glucose monitoring for black older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Challenges, innovations and implications: A discursive review.

AIM: To conduct a discursive review on continuous glucose monitoring use among Black older adults and to address the issue of racial disparities in diabetes management and outcomes. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a global health concern with significant complications and mortality rates. Black older adults are disproportionately affected. Initially designed for type 1 diabetes, continuous glucose monitoring has emerged as an innovative tool for type 2 diabetes mellitus management. Despite its potential, there are challenges related to adherence and digital literacy among Black older adults for managing Diabetes. DESIGN: A discursive review. METHODS: Searching literature in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for papers published from 2017 to 2023, we explored the use of continuous glucose monitoring in Black older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, examining barriers, facilitators and challenges. DISCUSSION: We highlight recommendations from the literature which included barriers, facilitators, and cultural factors associated with continuous glucose monitoring use. Findings underscore the importance of addressing these challenges to reduce racial-ethnic disparities in type 2 diabetes mellitus management among Black older adults. Nurses and advanced practice registered nurses are at the forefront and can play a pivotal role in exploring and implementing interventions to promote access and proper use of continuous glucose monitoring among Black older adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Satisfaction with Telehealth Care in the United States: Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background: Telehealth use remains high following the COVID-19 pandemic, but patient satisfaction with telehealth care is unclear. Methods: We used cross-sectional data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 6). 2,058 English and Spanish-speaking U.S. adults (≥18 years) with a telehealth visit in the 12 months before March-November 2022 were included in this study. The primary outcomes were telehealth visit modality and satisfaction in the 12 months before HINTS 6. We evaluated sociodemographic predictors of telehealth visit modality and satisfaction via Poisson regression. Analyses were weighted according to HINTS standards. Results: We included 2,058 participants (48.4 ± 16.8 years; 57% women; 66% White), of which 70% had an audio-video and 30% an audio-only telehealth visit. Adults with an audio-video visit were more likely to have health insurance (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-2.04) and have an annual household income of ≥$75,000 (aPR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.00-1.39) and less likely to be ≥65 years (aPR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.70-0.89), adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. No further inequities were noted by telehealth modality. Seventy-five percent of participants felt that their telehealth visits were as good as in-person care. No significant differences in telehealth satisfaction were observed across sociodemographic characteristics, telehealth modality, or the participants' primary reason for their most recent telehealth visit in adjusted analysis. Conclusions: Among U.S. adults with a telehealth visit, the majority had an audio-video visit and were satisfied with their care. Telehealth should continue, being offered following COVID-19, as it is uniformly valued by patients.

Individual- and Neighborhood-Level Disparities in Audio-Only Telemedicine Utilization Across a Large Academic Health System.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to understand whether use of audio-only telemedicine visits differed by individual- and neighborhood-level patient characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of telemedicine encounter data from a large academic health system. The primary outcome was rate of audio-only versus video visits. The exposures of interest were individual- (age, race, insurance, preferred language) and neighborhood-level (Social Deprivation Index [SDI]) patient characteristics. Results: Our study included 1,054,465 patient encounters from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021, of which 18.33% were completed via audio-only. Encounters among adults 75 years or older, Black patients, Spanish-speakers, and those with public insurance were more frequently conducted by audio-only (p < 0.001). Overall, populations showed decreasing rates of audio-only visits over time. We also observed an increase in the rate of audio-only encounters as SDI scores increased. Discussion: We found that audio-only disparities exist in telemedicine utilization by individual and zip code level characteristics. Though these disparities have improved over time as seen by our temporal analysis, marginalized and minority groups still showed the lowest rates of video utilization. In conclusion, access to audio-only care is a critical component to ensure that telemedicine is accessible to all populations. State and federal policy should support continued reimbursement of audio-only care to ensure equitable access to care while the implications of different care modalities are further studied.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2022 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association.

BACKGROUND: The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs). METHODS: The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2022 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population and an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, adverse pregnancy outcomes, vascular contributions to brain health, and the global burden of cardiovascular disease and healthy life expectancy. RESULTS: Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics. CONCLUSIONS: The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Community-Based Interventions to Address Disparities in Cardiometabolic Diseases Among Minoritized Racial and Ethnic Groups.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) are leading causes of death and disproportionally impact historically marginalized racial/ethnic groups in the United States. The American Heart Association developed the Life's Essential 8 (LE8) to promote optimal cardiovascular health (CVH) through eight health behaviors and health factors. The purpose of this review is to summarize contemporary community-engaged research (CER) studies incorporating the LE8 framework among racial/ethnic groups. REVIEW OF FINDINGS: Limited studies focused on the interface of CER and LE8. Based on synthesis of articles in this review, the application of CER to individual/collective LE8 metrics may improve CVH and reduce CMDs at the population level. Effective strategies include integration of technology, group activities, cultural/faith-based practices, social support, and structural/environmental changes. CER studies addressing LE8 factors in racial/ethnic groups play an essential role in improving CVH. Future studies should focus on broader scalability and health policy interventions to advance health equity.

"It was almost like it's set up for people to fail" A qualitative analysis of experiences and unmet supportive needs of people with Long COVID.

BACKGROUND: Almost twenty percent of adults with COVID-19 develop Long COVID, leading to prolonged symptoms and disability. Understanding the supportive needs of people with Long COVID is vital to enacting effective models of care and policies. DESIGN/METHODS: This qualitative sub-study explored the experiences of people with Long COVID and their unmet needs. Participants enrolled in a larger study to evaluate the post-acute cardiovascular impacts of COVID-19 were invited to participate in subsequent in-depth interviews. Participants were enrolled purposively until saturation at 24 participants. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS: Participants focused on adaptations to life with Long COVID and their unmet needs in different life spheres. Three domains, 1) occupational and financial; 2) healthcare-related; and 3) social and emotional support, emerged as areas affecting quality of life. Although participants were motivated to return to work for financial and personal reasons, Long COVID symptoms often resulted in the inability to perform tasks required by their existing jobs, and unemployment. Those who maintained employment through employer accommodations still needed additional support. Participants encountered diagnostic challenges, challenges in accessing specialty appointments, insurance loopholes, high healthcare costs, and medical skepticism. Existing social networks provided support for completing daily tasks; however, those with Long COVID typically turned to others with similar lived experiences for emotional support. Participants found government support programs inadequate and difficult to access in all three domains. DISCUSSION: We propose a five-pronged policy approach to support persons with Long COVID. These overarching recommendations are (1) improve public awareness of Long COVID; (2) improve clinical care quality and access; (3) implement additional school and workplace accommodations; (4) strengthen socioeconomic benefits and social services; and (5) improve research on Long COVID.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Hypertension: Barriers and Opportunities to Improve Blood Pressure Control.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To characterize the barriers and opportunities associated with racial and ethnic disparities in blood pressure (BP) control. RECENT FINDINGS: Blood pressure (BP) control rates in the USA have worsened over the last decade, with significantly lower rates of control among people from racial and ethnic minority groups, with non-Hispanic (NH) Black persons having 10% lower control rates compared to NH White counterparts. Many factors contribute to BP control including key social determinants of health (SDoH) such as health literacy, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare as well as low awareness rates and dietary habits. Numerous pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions have been developed to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in BP control. Among these, dietary programs designed to help reduce salt intake, faith-based interventions, and community-based programs have found success in achieving better BP control among people from racial and ethnic minority groups. Disparities in the prevalence and management of hypertension persist and remain high, particularly among racial and ethnic minority populations. Ongoing efforts are needed to address SDoH along with the unique genetic, social, economic, and cultural diversity within these groups that contribute to ongoing BP management inequalities.

Strategies for Improving Enrollment of Diverse Populations with a Focus on Lipid-Lowering Clinical Trials.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We review under-representation of key demographic groups in cardiovascular clinical trials, focusing on lipid-lowering trials. We outline multilevel strategies to recruit and retain diverse populations in cardiovascular trials. RECENT FINDINGS: Barriers to participation in trials occur at the study, participant, health system, sponsor, and policy level, requiring a multilevel approach to effectively increase participation of under-represented groups in research. Increasing the representation of marginalized and under-represented groups in leadership positions in clinical trials can ensure that their perspectives and experiences are considered. Trial design should prioritize patient- and community-indicated needs. Women and individuals from racially/ethnically diverse populations remain under-represented in lipid-lowering and other cardiovascular clinical trials relative to their disease burden in the population. This limits the generalizability of trial results to the broader population in clinical practice. Collaboration between community stakeholders, researchers, and community members can facilitate shared learning about trials and build trust.

Racial Disparities in Shared Decision-Making and the Use of mHealth Technology Among Adults With Hypertension in the 2017-2020 Health Information National Trends Survey: Cross-Sectional Study in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Mobile health (mHealth) technology has the potential to support shared decision-making (SDM) and improve hypertension control. However, our understanding of the variations in individuals' involvement in SDM and mHealth usage across different racial and ethnic groups in the United States is still limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the extent of involvement in SDM and the usage of mHealth technology in health-related activities among US adults with hypertension from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and to examine whether the mHealth usage differed by individuals' level of engagement in SDM. METHODS: This study used cross-sectional data from the 2017 to 2020 Health Information National Trends Survey, which was conducted on US adults with self-reported hypertension, and race and ethnicity data were included. The exposure of interest was race and ethnicity. The outcomes were SDM and mHealth usage. SDM was assessed using an item: "In the past 12 months, how often did your health professional: involve you in decisions about your healthcare as much as you wanted?" mHealth usage was defined as using a smartphone or tablet to engage in (1) making health decisions, (2) discussing health decisions with health providers, (3) tracking health progress, and (4) sharing health information. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between race and ethnicity and SDM or mHealth usage adjusted for covariates and stratified by the level of engagement in SDM. RESULTS: This study included 4893 adults with hypertension, and the mean age was 61 (SD 13) years. The sample was 53% female, 61% (n=3006) non-Hispanic White, 19% (n=907) non-Hispanic Black or African American, 12% (n=605) Hispanic, 4% (n=193) non-Hispanic Asian, and 4% (n=182) non-Hispanic other. Compared to the non-Hispanic White adults, non-Hispanic Black adults were more likely to use mHealth to make health decisions (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.70, 95% CI 1.23-2.34), share health information (aOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.02-2.08), and discuss health decisions with health providers (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.02-1.87). Significant associations were observed specifically among those who were always involved in SDM. Asian adults were less likely to be involved in SDM (aOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.26-0.99) and were more likely to use mHealth to track progress on a health-related goal (aOR 2.07, 95% CI 1.28-3.34) than non-Hispanic White adults. Hispanic adults were less likely to use mHealth to share health information (aOR 0.47, 95% CI 0.33-0.67) and discuss health decisions with health providers (aOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.46-0.94) compared to non-Hispanic White adults. CONCLUSIONS: This study observed racial and ethnic disparities in SDM and mHealth usage among US adults with hypertension. These findings emphasize the significance of comprehending the involvement of SDM and the usage of mHealth technology within racially and ethnically diverse populations.

Use of Human-Centered Design Methodology to Develop a Digital Toolkit to Optimize Heart Failure Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Guideline-directed medical therapies (GDMTs) improve quality of life and health outcomes for patients with heart failure (HF). However, GDMT utilization is suboptimal among patients with HF. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to engage key stakeholders in semistructured, virtual human-centered design sessions to identify challenges in GDMT optimization posthospitalization and inform the development of a digital toolkit aimed at optimizing HF GDMTs. METHODS: For the human-centered design sessions, we recruited (a) clinicians who care for patients with HF across 3 hospital systems, (b) patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (ejection fraction ≤ 40%) discharged from the hospital within 30 days of enrollment, and (c) caregivers. All participants were 18 years or older, English speaking, with Internet access. RESULTS: A total of 10 clinicians (median age, 37 years [interquartile range, 35-41], 12 years [interquartile range, 10-14] of experience caring for patients with HF, 80% women, 50% White, 50% nurse practitioners) and three patients and one caregiver (median age 57 years [IQR: 53-60], 75% men, 50% Black, 75% married) were included. Five themes emerged from the clinician sessions on challenges to GDMT optimization (eg, barriers to patient buy-in). Six themes on challenges (eg, managing medications), 4 themes on motivators (eg, regaining independence), and 3 themes on facilitators (eg, social support) to HF management arose from the patient and caregiver sessions. CONCLUSIONS: The clinician, patient, and caregiver insights identified through human-centered design will inform a digital toolkit aimed at optimizing HF GDMTs, including a patient-facing smartphone application and clinician dashboard. This digital toolkit will be evaluated in a multicenter, clinical trial.