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.

High cost of cardiac amyloidosis drugs may limit access for low-income patients
"We cannot accept a system where only those with means can benefit from life-changing drugs. We are a wealthy nation that spends trillions on healthcare. We must ensure that income and wealth do not determine access," explained JACC Editor-in-Chief Harlan M. Krumholz, MD.
Researchers use wearable fitness trackers to monitor sleep, CVD risk
A new two-year study is focused on the potential of using commercially available fitness trackers to identify patients who may face an increased risk of CVD.
AHA expands efforts to spread the word about CKM syndrome
This is a rapidly growing area of interest in cardiology as research continues to find close links between heart disease and kidney disease.
How anti-DEI healthcare policies are impacting patient care
All over the United States, countless research projects designed to improve outcomes have lost funding or been shut down. Even screening efforts targeting patients in impoverished communities have been impacted by these policies.
AMA deeply concerned about Trump policies and cuts to healthcare spending
American Medical Association President Bruce Scott, MD, has expressed major concerns about significant healthcare spending cuts proposed by the Trump administration. These include reductions to Medicaid, deep cuts to NIH funding, staffing reductions, and policy changes at key federal agencies.

EMS response slower for cardiac arrest in low-income areas

It takes emergency medical services (EMS) almost four minutes longer to transport cardiac arrest patients from poor neighborhoods to the hospital versus those from high-income neighborhoods, according to a study of 2014 United States EMS data published in JAMA Network Open.

Lower health literacy linked to higher mortality in acute decompensated HF

Poor health literacy could mean an increased risk of death for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), according to a study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings Nov. 7.

Q&A: Amy Patel details her experiences providing breast imaging services in urban, rural areas

Amy Patel, MD, recently transitioned from practicing at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston to overseeing a total of seven rural and community hospitals, including one in an urban setting, in Missouri.

Edwards Lifesciences' Philanthropy Exceeds Every Heartbeat Matters Goal To Impact One Million Underserved People Ahead Of Schedule

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 26, 2018 — Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE: EW), the global leader in patient-focused innovations for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring, announced at a 60th anniversary educational event that the Every Heartbeat Matters initiative has exceeded the goal to impact the global burden of heart valve disease by supporting the education, screening and treatment of one million underserved people by 2020.

NIH partners on $26.5M study analyzing prostate cancer disparities in black men

Major healthcare organizations, including branches of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have launched a $26.5 million study to investigate the genetic and socioeconomic factors surrounding black men’s increased susceptibility to more aggressive forms of prostate cancer, according to an NIH release.

AMA Outlines Ambitious Approach Toward Health Equity

CHICAGO – With well-documented gaps in health and health care across segments of the United States, the American Medical Association (AMA) today adopted policy during its Annual Meeting to define health equity and outline a strategic framework toward realizing the goal of achieving optimal health for all, referring to all aspects of health, including mental and behavioral health. To begin down that path, the AMA will establish a structural or organizational home for the effort, complete with dedicated resources, staff and budget, and a multi-year programmatic roadmap.

AMA outlines strategy for health equity

The American Medical Association (AMA) has adopted a policy to define health equity while outlining a strategy for achieving optimized care in all aspects of health.

Black heart failure patients 42% less likely to receive ICU care from cardiologists

Black Americans admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) with heart failure are 42 percent less likely to receive primary care from a cardiologist, which is associated with better survival odds for all patients.

Health Disparities

High cost of cardiac amyloidosis drugs may limit access for low-income patients

Researchers use wearable fitness trackers to monitor sleep, CVD risk

AHA expands efforts to spread the word about CKM syndrome

How anti-DEI healthcare policies are impacting patient care

AMA deeply concerned about Trump policies and cuts to healthcare spending