Unraveling the Complex Interplay Between Socioeconomic Status, Air Pollution, and Heart Disease Hospitalizations in an Urban Population

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of global mortality, with significant contributions from ischemic heart disease and stroke. This study explores the multifaceted risk factors for heart disease hospitalizations in Mexico City, focusing on socioeconomic status (SES) and air pollution. Using a dataset of 11,031 hospitalization records from 2015 to 2020, we employ negative binomial regression and Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM) models to analyze the effects of economic and social SES components, as well as air pollution indices, on the frequency and severity of hospitalizations. Our results reveal that both economic and social aspects of SES, alongside exposure to particulate matter and carbon monoxide, significantly impact hospitalization rates for various heart disease categories. The study highlights that socioeconomic disparities and environmental pollution are crucial determinants of cardiovascular health, emphasizing the need for targeted public health policies and interventions in urban settings. By integrating detailed SES indicators and pollution data, our findings provide a nuanced understanding of the complex relationships influencing heart disease hospitalizations.