Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Socioeconomic status (SES) is an important social determinant of cardiovascular health. Adolescents from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds may experience greater exposure to cardiovascular risk factors through interconnected pathways involving chronic psychological stress, limited access to nutritious food and healthcare, environmental conditions, and fewer opportunities for physical activity. This narrative review examines literature concerning socioeconomic disadvantages and cardiovascular health, with particular attention to psychosocial stress, physical activity, healthcare access, and the social determinants of health. The reviewed evidence suggests that cardiovascular disparities cannot be attributed to a single mechanism; rather, socioeconomic conditions interact with behavioral, environmental, and physiological factors that can influence cardiovascular health throughout adolescence and into adulthood. Addressing these disparities requires prevention strategies that consider both traditional cardiovascular risk factors and the broader social environments in which adolescents live.