Differences in Heart Procedure Use Between Black and White Veterans
Author Information
Author(s): Maynard Charles, Sun Haili, Lowy Elliott, Sales Anne E, Fihn Stephan D
Primary Institution: Department of Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System
Hypothesis
Are black veterans with acute myocardial infarction less likely to receive percutaneous coronary intervention than their white counterparts?
Conclusion
Black veterans are less likely to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention compared to white veterans, despite similar rates of cardiac catheterization.
Supporting Evidence
- Black patients were younger and had more diabetes and renal disease compared to white patients.
- Both groups had similar rates of cardiac catheterization, but fewer black veterans received PCI.
- Black veterans were more likely to be admitted to hospitals capable of performing PCI.
Takeaway
This study found that black veterans who have heart attacks are less likely to get a specific heart procedure compared to white veterans, even though they go to the same hospitals.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from veterans admitted to VHA medical centers with acute myocardial infarction, comparing the rates of PCI between black and white patients.
Potential Biases
Potential underestimation of racial differences due to unknown race data and possible PCI received outside VHA hospitals.
Limitations
The study did not collect data on the extent of coronary artery disease, which may explain the differences in PCI rates.
Participant Demographics
The study included 680 black veterans and 3529 white veterans, with black veterans being younger and having different health conditions compared to white veterans.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0001
Confidence Interval
0.60–0.85
Statistical Significance
p < 0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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