Introduction
Attaining ideal cardiovascular (CV) health and improving overall well-being for individuals and communities necessitates a strong focus on preventing CV and related diseases. Prevention science aims to use evidence-based strategies to reduce disease risk factors and promote health holistically. The 2017 American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Statement on Implementation of Prevention Science to Eliminate Health Care Inequities in Achieving CV Health examines barriers to ideal CV health, focusing on leveraging resources to reduce health care inequities and enhance preventive CV care.[1] The AHA discusses interventions in health care settings, technology utilization, interdisciplinary collaborations, community engagement, and health-related government policies, providing evidence-based examples of equitable CV health.
Direct Patient Care
Health care environments that provide direct patient care are pivotal in addressing inequities and promoting effective preventive care.[2] Firstly, education for the health care team is crucial and can be improved by integrating training on barriers to care and inequities into formal education for all health professionals.[3] Enhancing diversity within health care settings, encompassing racial/ethnic, geographical, and gender diversity, facilitates better access to care, quality of care, and cultural awareness, fostering trust and improved CV outcomes.[4]Effective communication is paramount for promoting health equity, and using language that avoids stigmatization, adopts person-first phrasing, and uses specific terms to describe subpopulations can create a holistic environment.
