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Ethnic and Racial Disparities in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Steven Simon1, P Michael Ho2,3
1Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12631 E. 17th Ave., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA. Steven.Simon@CUAnschutz.edu.
Insights
Racial and ethnic disparities in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) care persist, with non-white patients receiving suboptimal treatment and experiencing worse outcomes. Ongoing interventions are crucial to eliminate these healthcare inequalities.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Health Services Research
- Health Equity
Background:
- Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains a significant cause of death and disability in the US.
- Persistent racial and ethnic disparities exist in AMI care and outcomes.
- Non-white populations experience disparities in guideline-concordant care and adverse events compared to white individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on racial and ethnic disparities in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) care.
- To examine changes in practice patterns over time related to AMI disparities.
- To discuss solutions and future directions for overcoming AMI care disparities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on AMI care disparities.
- Analysis of changes in healthcare practice patterns.
- Synthesis of data on interventions and future research directions.
Main Results:
- Racial and ethnic disparities in AMI presentation, management, and outcomes continue.
- Non-white patients receive less guideline-concordant care and have poorer outcomes.
- Health policy and quality improvement initiatives have narrowed some gaps, but disparities persist.
Conclusions:
- Eliminating disparities in AMI care requires ongoing research and targeted efforts.
- Improving access to care, addressing healthcare bias, and focusing on prevention are critical.
- Continued focus on health equity is necessary to ensure equitable outcomes for all patients with AMI.
Purpose Of Review:
Significant racial and ethnic healthcare disparities exist in the management and outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This review will highlight the recent studies focusing on disparities in AMI care and how practice patterns have changed over time, and discuss solutions and future directions to overcome disparities in AMI care.
Recent Findings:
AMI continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the USA. Racial and ethnic disparities continue to be present in the care and outcomes associated with AMI. Non-white individuals continue to receive less guideline-concordant care and experience higher rates of adverse outcomes compared with white individuals. Health policy and quality improvement interventions have helped to narrow the gap; however, ongoing efforts are needed to continue to attempt to eliminate this disparity. Racial and ethnic disparities persist in the presentation, management, and outcomes of patients with AMI. Improvements in care have narrowed some of the inequalities. Ongoing research and efforts directed at improving access to care, eliminating bias in healthcare, and focusing on coronary heart disease prevention are needed to eliminate disparities.
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