Exploring Health Care Disparities in Genetic Testing and Research for Hereditary Cardiomyopathy: Current State and...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Genetics
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Hereditary cardiomyopathies are common myocardial conditions with genetic links, often with unknown etiology.
• These conditions contribute to significant mortality, necessitating effective risk stratification and early diagnosis.
• Genetic testing is vital for diagnosing and managing hereditary cardiomyopathies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate health care disparities in genetic testing for hereditary cardiomyopathies.
• To analyze existing literature on diagnostic and treatment inequities.
• To identify barriers to genetic testing in clinical practice and research.

Main Methods:

• A narrative literature search was conducted using major online databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Science Direct).
• Findings from English-language articles on disparities in diagnostics and treatment were analyzed.
• Data were categorized to identify patterns in research enrollment and healthcare delivery.

Main Results:

• Racial and ethnic disparities favor White populations and higher socioeconomic status in research enrollment and healthcare.
• Minority populations experience worse disease progression, including heart failure and sudden cardiac death.
• Barriers to genetic testing include insurance issues and health illiteracy, with lower detection rates and higher misclassification in minorities.

Conclusions:

• Prioritizing minority-based research and screening protocols can mitigate systemic disparities.
• Diversifying research studies is essential for improving risk stratification.
• Addressing these inequities will enhance clinical practice and patient outcomes for hereditary cardiomyopathies.