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Coronary heart disease mortality/morbidity and risk in blacks. II: Access to medical care
Insights
Black individuals experience higher cardiovascular disease mortality and shorter life expectancy. This study examines health resource distribution and ischemic heart disease rates in Los Angeles, highlighting disparities.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality is elevated in Black populations, alongside shorter life expectancy and lower socioeconomic status compared to the majority.
- These factors raise questions about the equitable distribution of health resources for Black communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of health resource distribution in cardiovascular disease outcomes for Black persons.
- To analyze trends in ischemic heart disease (IHD) mortality among Black individuals in Los Angeles.
Main Methods:
- Utilized health district data from Los Angeles, integrated with census tract information.
- Examined mortality data for ischemic heart disease (IHD) during the 1970-1979 period.
Main Results:
- Confirmed that deaths from ischemic heart disease (IHD) occur at a younger age in Black individuals.
- Observed that IHD rates, while lower than the majority population, did not show a significant decline during the study period (1970-1979).
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest potential inequities in health resource allocation impacting cardiovascular health outcomes for Black persons.
- Further monitoring of healthcare needs and resource distribution is recommended to address identified disparities.
Abstract:
Since the cardiovascular disease mortality is higher, life expectancy shorter, and socioeconomic conditions lower for black persons compared to the majority population, speculation arises as to the possible role of distribution of health resources for this segment of the population. Data from the City of Los Angeles, collected by health districts allowing the parallel use of census tract data, confirm that deaths caused by ischemic heart disease occur at a lower age in blacks and that a dramatic fall in these rates (which are lower than for the majority population) has not occurred during the 1970-1979 period. Observations on some relevant factors and suggestions for further monitoring of health care needs and resources are offered.