Health Inequity in the context of Cardiovascular Disease and COVID-19: A Scoping Review

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has and continues to impact millions of Americans with pre-existing comorbidities, including Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) impact health outcomes in individuals with COVID-19 and CVD. CVD is the leading cause of death in the United States and COVID-19 infection exacerbate negative CVD health outcomes. Purpose: The purpose of this scoping review was to describe how SDOH impact health equity in individuals with CVD and COVID-19 infections, and to describe similar SDOH impacts on health equity using a Syndemic Theory lens. Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted of literature published between 2016 and 2020 that included findings on SDOH impacts on health outcomes for CVD and COVID-19 separately. Two databases were searched (PubMed and CINAHL). Findings were organized into SDOH themes and similarities between SDOH impact on CVD and COVID-19 infection discussed through a Syndemic Theory lens. Results: Eleven studies were included in the review. Ten studies were conducted in the United States, and one conducted in Spain. Three SDOH themes that impact health inequity were identified: financial stability, education level, and environment. These themes were linked to experiences of racism. Black and Latino individuals have worse health outcomes for both CVD and COVID-19. Conclusion: Future studies should focus on impacts of racism on health in the United States, as racism should be included in the SDOH. In order for chronic and communicable diseases to be reduced in populations, it is essential to find the most vulnerable populations and advocate for equity.Bachelor of Scienc