Exercise Benefits Not Equal for All: Study Reveals Racial and Gender Disparities
While exercise is well-known for its cardiovascular benefits, a new review reveals that access and benefits are not equal across racial and gender lines. The study, published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, sheds light on the complex interplay between social factors, genetics, and exercise outcomes, highlighting the need for a more equitable approach to healthcare.
"While the cardiovascular benefits of exercise are undeniable, the magnitude of these benefits vary depending on factors like race, ethnicity, and sex," said Dr. Daniel T. Tardo, a cardiologist at St. George’s University Hospitals NHS Trust in London and lead author of the review.
The review analyzed various studies highlighting these disparities. For example, a Canadian study of over 370,000 participants found that individuals from minority groups often had lower levels of physical activity and, as a result, could benefit from improved screening for conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Further underscoring the issue is the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, which followed over 6,800 individuals from various backgrounds in the United States for 15 years. The study found that while Hispanic participants had a lower mortality risk than White participants, Black participants faced a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular death even after accounting for age and sex.
Gender Gap in Cardiac Rehabilitation Participation:
Adding to these concerns is a consistent gender gap in cardiac rehabilitation participation. Despite reaping similar benefits, women are less likely to participate in these programs. This disparity is attributed to various barriers, including access and societal expectations.
A study of over 800 patients referred to cardiac rehabilitation, half of whom were from minority racial groups, found that non-White individuals were 78% less likely to initiate the program compared to their White counterparts. However, those who did participate benefited from reduced mortality rates.
Genetics and Exercise Response:
Dr. Christopher Tanayan, director of sports cardiology at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, emphasizes the role genetics plays in influencing responses to exercise: "This review highlights how genetics influences how different racial groups respond to exercise, which explains the varying benefits of exercise."
Dr. Tanayan also points to the potential role of hormones like estrogen in protecting women’s hearts before menopause, as well as the crucial need for accessible and safe spaces for exercise.
Call for Equitable Healthcare:
The review authors hope their findings will encourage individualized exercise prescriptions from healthcare providers. "We hope our review encourages the utilization of equitable, tailored exercise prescriptions by clinicians to help encourage and bring about good cardiovascular outcomes," said Dr. Tardo.
They emphasize the need for further research to fully understand the complex interplay between social determinants of health and exercise outcomes.
This study underscores a pressing need for healthcare systems to address disparities in access and encourage healthy lifestyles for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender.
