African American woman smiling with awareness of Coronary Artery Disease care

Coronary Artery Disease Care

Multiple factors contribute to racial, gender and ethnic disparities in care for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Increase your awareness of differences in risk factors and barriers to care.

Who’s at Risk?

In the United States, rates of hospitalization and mortality as a result of CAD
have increased for non-Caucasians but decreased for Caucasians.1

thirty percent

Black men and women were 30%2 more likely to die of heart disease, including CAD, than non-Hispanic white men and women.

by the age of 75

By the time they’re 75, a woman’s risk of death from CAD is the same – or more than – a man’s risk. 3

Healthcare provider discussing participation in clinical research with a female patient

Insight from Underserved CAD Patients

In order to help you understand how to best reach undertreated minority groups at the local level, Boston Scientific commissioned a market research study on traditionally underserved populations across the country. Researchers engaged with people who identified as being either at high risk or who have already been diagnosed with CAD in order to capture demographic, psycho-graphic and behavioral insights. Below is a snapshot of patients’ perceptions. You can also download a one-page summary.

Download key insights
Obstacles in accessing care for Coronary Artery Disease

Barriers to Accessing CAD Care

The market research study found that people with CAD identify these top obstacles in getting care after diagnosis:

  • 21% cite cost of healthcare or insurance
  • 19% cite physical limitations
  • 17% cite lack of specialists in the area
Reasons for a delay in care for CAD

Barriers to Delayed CAD Care

The majority of responders sought care soon after experiencing CAD symptoms. However, those who delayed more than six months gave these top reasons:

  1. They didn’t think they could possibly have CAD
  2. They didn’t think the CAD was that critical
  3. They didn’t think it was serious enough to seek urgent care
Reasons for a delay in CAD treatment

Barriers to CAD Treatment

The study found that 47% of patients decided to put off surgery or a procedure for as long as possible in the past, with these reasons most often cited:

  • 44% were worried about complications
  • 36% were afraid to have the surgery or procedure
  • 36% just wanted to wait          

 

What Can Help Underserved CAD Patients

clipboard

Give Educational Materials

  • 21% want educational materials about treatment options, clinical  trials and care locations
  • 19% want online education about health issues and conditions 
  • 19% want local financial support access

communication

Increase Communication & Access

  • 43% want online appointments
  • 36% want being able to text a  doctor’s office
  • 36% want late night appointments  

 

handshake

Connect with Your Patients

  • 19% of people with CAD get nervous around doctors, which means that they might not feel comfortable telling you about symptoms or concerns
  • As you know, that’s important since CAD often progresses over many years and you could intervene early if given the chance

Healthcare Disparity Details

Many different diversities in a waiting room waiting to find out how they can help in clinical research

Increase Clinical Research Diversity

A total of 72% of CAD patient respondents say they’re “somewhat” or “very” likely to participate in a clinical trial–but 77% have never been asked to participate in one.  Learn about opportunities for increasing research diversity and find educational materials to inform your patients. 

Learn about clinical trial diversity
Untreated areas around you

Who’s Going Untreated in Your Area?

Boston Scientific can provide you with a ZIP-code specific Disparity Index Report with epidemiological data on the health challenges impacting your community.

Learn more

How Can Close The Gap Support You?

Boston Scientific dedicated Health Equity Consultants are here to build a personalized program
to help you target your at-risk demographics – at no expense to you.

Contact us

References:

1 Desai, R. et al. (2019). Racial and sex disparities in resource utilization and outcomes of multi-vessel percutaneous coronary interventions (a 5-year nationwide evaluation in the United States). Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy. 9(1). Pg 18-29
2 http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=19
3 https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/coronary-artery-disease/overview-of-coronary-artery-disease

 

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