Research Highlights Disparities in Heart and Blood Vessel Procedures Affecting Black Patients and Women

Recent studies reveal significant disparities in health outcomes among Black patients and women undergoing advanced cardiovascular procedures. Women are at a higher risk of experiencing complications after procedures such as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), which replaces diseased heart valves, and left atrial appendage occlusion, aimed at reducing stroke risk in atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) patients. Data from over 3,000 patients from 2012 to 2021 show women are 8% more likely to face major complications, often related to the size mismatch of implanted valves.

Conversely, Black patients face elevated risks of amputation and death following procedures to restore blood flow in the arms or legs, with findings based on over 381,000 cases from 2016 to 2023. Black patients are 46% more likely to need amputations and less likely to see a vascular specialist prior to treatment, though they have a slightly lower risk of mortality than white patients. Additionally, women with atrial fibrillation are twice as likely to die after the occlusion procedure, with higher odds of bleeding complications and stroke.

These findings underscore the urgent need for inclusive research and targeted treatment strategies to address specific risks faced by these populations, aiming to reduce health disparities in cardiovascular care.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-black-patients-women-worse-outcomes.html