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Published on: December 11, 2017

Race-related differences in heart failure therapies: simply black and white or shades of grey?

Gautam R Shroff1, Anne L Taylor, Monica Colvin-Adams

  • 1Cardiovascular Division, University of Minnesota, MMC 508, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. colvi005@umn.edu

Current Cardiology Reports
|May 2, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Heart failure disproportionately affects Black Americans, with unique clinical characteristics and treatment responses. This review examines race-related differences in heart failure and current therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Health Disparities
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Heart failure (HF) presents a significant societal burden, demanding novel strategies for risk stratification and treatment.
  • Cardiovascular disease, including HF, disproportionately impacts Black Americans.
  • Known differences exist in HF clinical presentation, therapeutic targets, and treatment response between Black and White populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore race-related differences in heart failure (HF).
  • To emphasize current therapeutic agents for HF in the context of race-based variations.
  • To inform targeted treatment strategies for diverse populations at risk for HF.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating heart failure in different racial groups.
  • Analysis of clinical characteristics, treatment responses, and therapeutic targets in Black versus White populations.
  • Synthesis of current evidence on race-related disparities in heart failure management.

Main Results:

  • Black Americans experience a higher burden of cardiovascular disease and heart failure.
  • Significant differences are observed in HF clinical phenotypes, therapeutic targets, and responses to standard treatments between Black and White individuals.
  • Current treatment guidelines may not fully address these race-specific variations.

Conclusions:

  • Race is a significant factor influencing heart failure presentation and treatment efficacy.
  • Further research is needed to optimize heart failure therapies for Black populations.
  • Addressing race-related differences is crucial for reducing heart failure disparities.

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