Experiencing racism may set you on a path to heart disease via inflammation and sleep problems

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-04-19 01:00

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A US study of 322 young black adults found experiencing racial discrimination more frequently between the ages of 19 and 21 was linked with higher levels of inflammation, poorer sleep, and an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome - a common cluster of health conditions, including insulin resistance, high blood pressure and obesity, that predisposes people to heart disease. The findings may help explain why metabolic syndrome is more prevalent among black people and other minorities than among the white US population. Health interventions to prevent metabolic syndrome in black young people should take sleep and inflammation into account, the authors say, as well as efforts to curb exposure to racial discrimination.

Media release

From: JAMA

Racial Discrimination and Metabolic Syndrome in Young Black Adults

About The Study: The findings of this study with 322 participants suggest that racial discrimination predisposes Black young adults to metabolic syndrome via sleep problems and inflammation, which may serve as actionable targets for prevention in minoritized populations that could reduce existing disparities and promote health equity.

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Journal/
conference: JAMA Network Open

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, USA

Funder: Research reported in this publication was supported by the grant HL147995 from the NIH to Dr Heard-Garris, grant HL122328 from the NIH to Dr Miller, and grants HD030588 and DA051361 to Dr Brody.

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