Social Determinants and Cardiac Health: Bridging Equity for Better Physical and Psychological Outcomes

Emerging evidence underscores the profound influence of social determinants of health (SDOH)—such as socioeconomic status, education, environment, access to care, social support, and community context—on the multifaceted health outcomes of cardiac patients. These non-medical factors considerably affect the onset and progression of cardiac diseases, adherence to treatments, recovery, and overall quality of life. Specific vulnerable populations suffer exacerbated health disparities due to variations in these determinants. While the physical impacts of SDOH, including increased hospital readmissions and hindered cardiac rehabilitation, are well-acknowledged, their significant effects on psychological well-being—altering rates of depression, anxiety, and stress—also demand attention in the context of cardiovascular diseases.

This Research Topic strives to compile state-of-the-art research and comprehensive reviews examining the impact of SDOH on both the physical and psychological health of cardiac patients. By accepting submissions of original research articles, qualitative studies, systematic reviews, perspectives, and policy analyses, the Topic aims to cultivate a multidimensional understanding of cardiac care and inspire more equitable and holistic healthcare approaches.

To gather further insights into how social determinants shape cardiac patient outcomes, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Epidemiology and Risk Assessment: Studies linking various SDOH with cardiac event incidence, disease progression, and rehospitalization rates.

o Psychological Outcomes: Research into the interaction between SDOH and mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and stress, in the cardiac patient population.

o Disparity and Vulnerable Populations: Analysis of health inequities and disparities in cardiac care and outcomes across diverse social groups and communities.

o Interventions and Health System Approaches: Evaluations of community-based interventions, policy initiatives, and multi-sector partnerships that target SDOH for improved cardiac outcomes.

o Patient Perspectives and Lived Experience: Qualitative research and patient-reported outcomes that explore barriers, facilitators, and narratives within the context of social influences.

Ultimately, this Research Topic aspires to integrate social and psychological perspectives into cardiovascular prevention, treatment, and policy decisions, paving the way for more equitable and effective healthcare systems.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Social Determinants of Health, Cardiovascular Disease, Health Disparities, Psychological Outcomes, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Socioeconomic Status, Mental Health, Health Equity, Patient Outcomes, Access to Care

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.