Gradients that link socioeconomic status and cardiovascular mortality have been observed in many populations, including those of countries that provide publicly funded comprehensive medical coverage. The intermediary causes of such gradients remain poorly elucidated.
Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Sunnybrook, Women's College Health Sciences Centre, York University, Institute for Work and Health, and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. david.alter@ices.on.ca