“Although we have traditionally considered CVD the consequence of certain modifiable and nonmodifiable physiological, lifestyle, and genetic risk factors, we must now broaden the focus to incorporate a third arm of risk, the social determinants of health.” Thus concluded the American Heart Association Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee in a landmark scientific statement reviewing the influence of social factors on the incidence, treatment, and outcomes of CVD. Former RWJF Health & Society Scholar Mahasin S. Mujahid is a member of the committee.