Ethnicity and coronary heart disease: making sense of risk and improving care

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is predicted to become the dominant cause of death and disability across the globe over the next decade. With an apparently disproportionate susceptibility to cardiovascular disease, the causes and prevention of CVD is of critical importance to minority ethnic groups. This paper examines the complex interplay between the biological, psychosocial and behavioural causes of CVD, and considers the need for culturally appropriate services to increase awareness of coronary risk factors and support healthier lifestyles.