Disparities in Heart Attack Care Highlight Need for Policy Action

While heart attacks, or acute myocardial infarctions, continue to be a leading cause of death in the United States, advancements in treatment over the past two decades have significantly reduced mortality rates. Improvements such as thrombolytic therapy to dissolve blood clots and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)—a minimally invasive procedure to restore blood flow—have played a crucial role. According to researchers from Pennsylvania State University, not all patients, however, are receiving the recommended care, with disparities observed based on race and ethnicity.

A recent study led by Professor Charleen Hsuan analyzed data from over 139,000 patients in Florida diagnosed with STEMI, a severe type of heart attack marked by a complete blockage of a major coronary artery. The findings revealed substantial racial disparities throughout the care process. For example, 82.6% of non-Hispanic white patients initially presented at hospitals capable of performing PCI, whereas Black patients were less likely to do so. Among Black patients who went to PCI-capable hospitals, they were 10.7% less likely than white patients to receive PCI. Transferred Black patients were also 20.3% less likely to undergo PCI at the transfer hospital. Hispanic patients showed disparities at some points, but not all.

Dr. Hsuan emphasized that these differences significantly contribute to higher mortality rates among Black and Hispanic patients compared to white patients. The study suggests that hospitals and policymakers should focus on specific gaps in the care pathway—such as ensuring patients receive PCI when initially presenting at capable hospitals or upon transfer—to address these disparities.

While the research focuses on Florida, it highlights a nationwide issue impacting millions of Americans. Factors like insurance status, hospital availability, and geographic location might drive these disparities, warranting further investigation. Importantly, this research underscores the need to improve emergency care quality for all demographics, promoting equitable treatment and better health outcomes.

This study contributes to broader efforts aimed at understanding and reducing racial and ethnic disparities in cardiovascular care and outcomes. Ensuring consistent adherence to treatment guidelines could save many lives and foster a more just healthcare system.