Document Type

Poster Presentation

Publication Date

4-18-2025

Year of Award

2025

Date Assignment Submitted

2025

Abstract

Education influences decisions that impact the overall well-being, including cardiovascular health. However, the extent to which educational disparities affect cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk remains insufficiently explored. This study re-analyzed sample data (n=11,626) from the Framingham Study, a landmark epidemiological cohort initiated in 1948 that has provided extensive longitudinal data on cardiovascular health. A sizable proportion of participants reported low educational attainment (~30% with 0–11 years of schooling), with men slightly more likely than women to have lower education levels. Hypertension was the most prevalent CVD condition (~70%), followed by coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. Logistic regression analyses revealed that individuals with higher education levels had consistently lower odds (OR < 1.0) of angina (OR = 0.96, p = 0.11), myocardial infarction (OR = 0.94, p = 0.017), and other CVD outcomes. These associations remained statistically significant, though slightly attenuated, after adjusting for age, sex, diabetes, smoking, blood pressure, and body mass index. Subgroup analyses showed that education was protective across BMI categories and diabetes status, but stronger associations were observed in smokers and individuals with obesity. Among smokers, education had a greater impact on reducing CHD and stroke risk. These findings highlight the critical role of education in shaping cardiovascular health. Addressing educational disparities through targeted public health strategies may be essential for reducing CVD risk and promoting health equity.

Publisher

Lynn University

Conference/Symposium

Lynn University Student Research Symposium

Contest

Poster Presentation: Health and Social Sciences category

City/State

Boca Raton, FL

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Instructor

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Félix E. Rivera-Mariani

Comments

Authors' Contributions:

  • Mrs. Campbell: contributed the original research idea, matched variables across the dataset for statistical analysis, interpreted the results, and developed the study's conclusions and proposed directions for future research.
  • Dr. Rivera-Mariani: Advised on the research concept and design, guided variable selection, deployed data analysis workflow, provided input on results interpretation and future research framing, mentored student through project.

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