Poor People More at Risk Heart Disease

Recent studies show that people with low socioeconomic status are much more likely to develop heart disease when compared with those with incomes greater or better educated.

The study also showed that this risk persists even when added risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

"People with lower socio-economic status should better monitor the risk of heart disease," said Peter Frank, a UC Davis professor of family medicine and community and the study's lead author.

According to Frank, although it is known that people with low socioeconomic status have a greater risk for developing heart disease and other health problems, the reason that that is a factor often attributed to lack of health access.

But the study shows for the first time that the increased risk in the long run be able to improvements in other risk factors, suggesting that access and compliance can not explain the difference.

According to him, social disadvantages and difficulties in childhood can lead to ongoing adaptation and lead to greater risk of heart problems. The cumulative effect of social disadvantage throughout life can also cause 'craving' on the cardiovascular system.