Health Disparities

Health disparities have the largest impact on the access, quality of care and outcomes overall in many patient populations defined by factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, education level, income, disability, geographic location. Many other factors also play a role, including if a patient is in a rural of urban location, distances to hospitals, pharmacies and clinics. These factors of inequitable access or healthcare are often directly related to the historical and ongoing unequal distribution of social, political, economic, and environmental resources. This page includes content defining health disparities and efforts to address them.

Cardiologist-founded startup raises $2M in the name of women’s heart health
Systole Health is focused on providing personalized healthcare to women with heart disease. “As a cardiologist, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles women face in managing their heart health," the company's co-founder said.
Heart transplant patients on Medicaid face a higher risk of major complications
In addition, researchers noted, five-year mortality was inferior for patients on Medicaid when compared to patients with any other type of insurance.
Black, rural and low-income PAD patients are less likely to receive high-quality care
"This research should be a call to health systems, policymakers and other stakeholders to make it easier for patients—especially the most vulnerable patients—to access PAD-specific care," one cardiologist explained.
FDA commissioner, a veteran cardiologist, highlights ongoing issues with US healthcare system
FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, MD, talked to Cardiovascular Business about healthcare spending, inconsistent patient outcomes and much more.
Cardiothoracic surgery linked to a lack of diversity, uneven salaries: What can be done?
A brand new analysis explored diversity, equity and inclusion within the specialty of cardiovascular surgery. It also included several recommendations for leaders looking to help create change and improve patient care.

healthcare value value-based care money dollar

Cardiologist-founded startup raises $2M in the name of women’s heart health

Systole Health is focused on providing personalized healthcare to women with heart disease. “As a cardiologist, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles women face in managing their heart health," the company's co-founder said.

Heart transplant patients on Medicaid face a higher risk of major complications

In addition, researchers noted, five-year mortality was inferior for patients on Medicaid when compared to patients with any other type of insurance.

Black, rural and low-income PAD patients are less likely to receive high-quality care

"This research should be a call to health systems, policymakers and other stakeholders to make it easier for patients—especially the most vulnerable patients—to access PAD-specific care," one cardiologist explained.

FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, MD, a cardiologist, speaking at the TCT interventional cardiology conference on health disparities in the U.S. health system and paying more for care has not resulted in better outcomes. #healthdisparities #healthequity

FDA commissioner, a veteran cardiologist, highlights ongoing issues with US healthcare system

FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, MD, talked to Cardiovascular Business about healthcare spending, inconsistent patient outcomes and much more.

Jobs hiring talent people human resources

Cardiothoracic surgery linked to a lack of diversity, uneven salaries: What can be done?

A brand new analysis explored diversity, equity and inclusion within the specialty of cardiovascular surgery. It also included several recommendations for leaders looking to help create change and improve patient care.

artificial intelligence AI heart cardiology

Medtronic using AI to identify more TAVR patients in need

Medtronic has launched new research into AI's potential to identify patients with severe aortic stenosis and other worrying symptoms. The company hopes to overcome longstanding health disparities and reach individuals who may otherwise go untreated.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology won a $50,000 award to help commercialize its 3D printed, polymeric auxetic stent to treat pediatric aortic coarctation. It is bioresorbable so the patient can continue to grow without the need for as many reinterventions.

Pediatric cardiology device competition introduces world to new technologies

Most cardiac devices do not fit young children, making it especially important for growth in pediatric cardiology to continue. The FDA helped fund a contest aimed at identifying new devices that show a ton of potential.

Following heart failure guidelines could save 1.2 million lives per year

Millions of heart failure patients who qualify for standard medical therapies do not receive treatment due to poor health literacy, limited access to care and medication costs.

Around the web

Radiology Business

Key takeaways from RSNA 2024 for AI, CT, MRI and the radiology staffing shortage

Several key trends were evident at the Radiological Society of North America 2024 meeting, including new CT and MR technology and evolving adoption of artificial intelligence.

Health Imaging

Use of AI opportunistic screening in CT for cardiovascular disease

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.