Cardiovascular Health and Inflammation: Intersectional Impact of Structural Racism, Structural Sexism, and Structural Classism


Poor cardiovascular health (CVH) is an important cause of heart disease and stroke. Inflammation from poor CVH may be a reason for this. In the U.S., people of different races, genders, income, and education levels have different CVH and levels of blood measures of inflammation. This may be due to structural oppressions like racism, sexism, and classism. Dr. Kamin Mukaz’s research will reveal how structural racism, sexism and classism are linked to CVH and inflammation in Black and White women and men of the U.S. REGARDS study. She will look over 10 years at the effects of structural oppressions on CVH and on 92 blood measures of inflammation.


Diagram showing how structural oppressions may influence inflammation that can lead to poor cardiovascular health

Project Director: 

Photo of Project Director Debora Kamin Mukaz, PhD, MS

Debora Kamin Mukaz, PhD, MS

Publications

Assistant Professor of Medicine
Department of Medicine- Hematology Oncology

Mentor Team:

Senior Mentor
Mary Cushman, MD, MSc

Senior Mentor
Taylor Ricketts, PhD

Peer Mentor
Nimrat Chatterjee, PhD

External Mentor
Leslie A. McClure, PhD