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.

Food insecurity increases risk of poor heart health in young adults
Food insecurity—lacking consistent access to the food needed to live an “active, healthy lifestyle”—impacts up to one in eight Americans each year.
Fewer heart failure patients are dying from cardiac arrest—but disparities persist
CDC data shows that mortality from heart failure-related cardiac arrest has decreased significantly in the last 25 years. However, researchers noted, care teams still have considerable work to do.
Post-stroke follow-up care considerably worse for women than men
Female stroke survivors are less likely to receive a cardiology referral or undergo cardiac monitoring than their male counterparts.
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.

Food insecurity increases risk of poor heart health in young adults

Food insecurity—lacking consistent access to the food needed to live an “active, healthy lifestyle”—impacts up to one in eight Americans each year.

Fewer heart failure patients are dying from cardiac arrest—but disparities persist

CDC data shows that mortality from heart failure-related cardiac arrest has decreased significantly in the last 25 years. However, researchers noted, care teams still have considerable work to do.

Post-stroke follow-up care considerably worse for women than men

Female stroke survivors are less likely to receive a cardiology referral or undergo cardiac monitoring than their male counterparts.

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.

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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.

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