To what extent do biomarkers account for the large social disparities in health in Moscow?

► Older Muscovites of both sexes exhibited substantial educational disparities in standard cardiovascular risk factors. ► Both sexes had an educational gradient with inflammatory markers; men had an educational gradient with heart rate parameters. ► Overall, biomarkers accounted for 19-36% of the education gap in general health and physical function. ► This share is larger than that found in prior studies, perhaps owing to the inclusion of inflammatory and heart parameters. ► These two sets of markers appeared to be important predictors of health outcomes.