Trends in Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Cardiovascular Health Among US Adults From 1999–2012

BACKGROUND: In the United States, there are persistent racial and ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. National efforts have focused on reducing these disparities; however, little is known about the long-term trends in racial/ethnic disparities in cardiovascular health (CVH). METHODS AND RESULTS: =0.02 in 2011/2012). Differences between racial/ethnic groups were smaller for men and were mostly nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS: From 1999/2000 to 2011/2012, there were enduring disparities in CVH for non-Hispanic black and Mexican-American women as compared with non-Hispanic white women. Disparities that were present in 1999/2000 were present in 2011/2012, though no racial/ethnic differences became more pronounced over time. These findings provide US nationally representative data to evaluate health factors and behaviors of particular concern regarding racial/ethnic disparities in cardiovascular health.