Ethnic Differences Among Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients in Israel

Life expectancy has increased in Israel during recent decades. However, compared to the majority, mostly Jewish population, life expectancy remains low among Israeli Arabs minority, and cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death. We compared baseline characteristics and outcomes between Israeli Arab and non-Arab patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

A national survey accessed data of 7055 patients (1251, 18% Arabs) hospitalized with ACS. Compared to non-Arab, Arab patients were younger at ACS presentation (59 ± 11 vs. 65 ± 12 years, p < 0.01), more likely male (81% vs. 77%, p = 0.01), and with higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (47% vs. 34%, p < 0.01) and smoking history (57% vs. 34%, p < 0.001). Among patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) ACS, the mean time from first medical contact to the hospital was similar for Arab and non-Arab patients (133 and 137 min, respectively). After adjustment for age, gender, time from first medical contact to hospital arrival, diabetes, hypertension and renal failure, 1-year survival was lower among Arab patients (93.4% vs. 95.1%, p = 0.027), and 5-year survival was not statistically different (84.0% vs. 86.8%, p = 0.059). The survival differences were mostly derived from reduced survival at 1 and 5 years of STEMI Arab patients.

Israeli Arabs present with ACS at a younger age than non-Arabs and have higher prevalence of smoking and diabetes at presentation. Adjusted 1-year survival was lower among Arab patients. Access to medical care and in-hospital practices during ACS were similar for Arabs and non-Arabs. The findings highlight the impact of risk factors on the early presentation of ACS and the need for a robust risk reduction program for Israeli Arabs.