Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Perioperative Health Care Among Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Racial Disparities in Cardiac Rehabilitation

“…These findings by Duscha et al 1 regarding racial disparities related to CR are certainly a part of the larger issue of social vulnerability, in which underrepresented and underserved groups continue to struggle with health equity throughout life, from primary to secondary prevention. 3,4 Recently, Milan et al 5 provide a review of racial and ethnic health disparities among patients undergoing cardiac surgeries; this article also reviews many different areas within cardiovascular medicine, which are sources of racial disparities in cardiovascular medicine care, inclusive of social determinants of health, social issues associated with preventive care/surgical care (access to specific procedures), etc. Along with these various factors, there is reduced utilization of CR among AA compared with CA, possibly due to lower referral or less vigorous efforts to attend, that is evidenced by lower enrollment and completion rate of CR in AA, which is also seen in other racial minority groups, compared with CA.…”

“…Along with these various factors, there is reduced utilization of CR among AA compared with CA, possibly due to lower referral or less vigorous efforts to attend, that is evidenced by lower enrollment and completion rate of CR in AA, which is also seen in other racial minority groups, compared with CA. 1,2,5 Considering that CR is a recommended therapy to reduce cardiovascular disease adverse outcomes in secondary prevention, this lower attendance likely worsens clinical prognosis in these minority groups.…”

“…Recently, Milan et al5 provide a review of racial and ethnic health disparities among patients undergoing cardiac surgeries; this article also reviews many different areas within cardiovascular medicine, which are sources of racial disparities in cardiovascular medicine care, inclusive of social determinants of health, social issues associated with preventive care/surgical care (access to specific procedures), etc. Along with these various factors, there is reduced utilization of CR among AA compared with CA, possibly due to lower referral or less vigorous efforts to attend, that is evidenced by lower enrollment and completion rate of CR in AA, which is also seen in other racial minority groups, compared with CA 1,2,5. Considering that CR is a recommended therapy to reduce cardiovascular disease adverse outcomes in secondary prevention, this lower attendance likely worsens clinical prognosis in these minority groups.…”