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.

Prior authorization may reduce access to important heart failure drugs
Researchers noted that these requirements are more common for Black and Hispanic patients, creating a critical barrier to guideline-recommended care.
New ABC campaign works to improve care in cardiology deserts
Association of Black Cardiologists President Anthony Fletcher, MD, discusses the group's efforts to educate patients in Louisiana, Arkansas, Georgia and Mississippi.
Pope welcomes cardiologists to Vatican City
Pope Leo XIV told interventional cardiologists their work “stands at the crossroads of science, compassion and ethical responsibility.” When they treat patients, he added, they are treating the heart “both physically and metaphorically, bringing relief to those who suffer.”
Cardiologists work to eliminate ‘cardiology deserts’ found in many rural communities
The Association of Black Cardiologists hopes to improve widespread disparities in care through the use of patient education, free diagnostic heart screenings and other proven methods.
P‐waves can help identify Black patients prone to developing AFib
Research that followed patients for more than 13 years suggests increases in ECG PR interval, P‐wave duration and PTFV1 are associated with increased AFib risk in this cohort.

AHA condemns Trump administration’s latest attack on ACA

The American Heart Association noted that the Affordable Care Act has provided “invaluable patient protections for millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions.”

Society of Thoracic Surgeons condemns racism and violence as protests intensify

As protests continue throughout the world in the wake of George Floyd’s death, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons has issued a statement condemning racism and violence.

In wake of George Floyd’s death, cardiovascular groups denounce ‘incidents of racism and violence’

The Association of Black Cardiologists, American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology have collaborated on a joint statement that touches on the death of George Floyd and its connection to the cardiovascular health of racial minorities in the United States.

Non-US citizens less likely to receive treatment for CV ills

U.S.-born and -naturalized citizens are far more likely than noncitizens to receive treatment for CVD risk factors, researchers reported in Circulation this month.

Health insurers launch food delivery in Chicago and Dallas

Health insurers are taking steps to address social determinants of health that go beyond clinical care. Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) and the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Institute have launched a food delivery service in Chicago and Dallas.

AI is worsening health disparities

With AI becoming more prevalent in medical practice, Dhruv Khullar, MD, a physician at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medicine, detailed how AI is a contributor to the worsening of health disparities in a New York Times opinion piece.

Low health literacy translates to poor medication adherence for hypertensive Hispanics

A study of more than 1,000 Hispanic adults with hypertension found increased health literacy improves patients’ adherence to blood pressure medications—but the majority of the population struggles with poor health literacy, indicating a need for tailored interventions.

AMA: Industry must level the playing field to unlock potential of AI

Before the true potential of new technologies like AI can be realized, the healthcare industry must first address health disparities and implicit bias many patients face, American Medical Association (AMA) President-Elect Patrice A. Harris, MD, said in a recent viewpoint article.

Health Disparities

Prior authorization may reduce access to important heart failure drugs

New ABC campaign works to improve care in cardiology deserts

Pope welcomes cardiologists to Vatican City

Cardiologists work to eliminate ‘cardiology deserts’ found in many rural communities

P‐waves can help identify Black patients prone to developing AFib