
Heart Failure Care
Multiple factors contribute to racial, gender and ethnic disparities in care for Heart Failure. Grow your awareness of these different risk factors and barriers to care.
Who’s at Risk?
Although fewer people are getting heart failure in the United States, the rate of decline is much lower
in the Black community than in other racial/ethnic groups.1
Despite being thought of having a lower risk, Hispanic patients who are hospitalized for heart failure are younger than whites, have a higher rate of risk factors and higher mortality.2
women in the United States are affected by heart failure.3
What Can Help Underserved Heart Failure Patients
Give Educational Materials
- 54% prefer printed take-home materials
- 34% want downloadable materials
- 40% want information on diet and exercise
Increase Communication & Access
- 54% name weekend appointments
- 42% say online appointments
- 40% ask for emails from a specialist
Connect with Your Patients
- 19% of patients with heart failure report getting nervous around doctors, which means that they might not feel comfortable telling you about symptoms or concerns
- You may want to consider addressing the priorities they named: to be informed and be partners in their care
Healthcare Disparity Details
Increase Clinical Research Diversity
A total of 60% of heart failure patient respondents say they’re “somewhat” or “very” likely to participate in a clinical trial – but 70% have never been asked to participate in one. Learn about opportunities for increasing research diversity and find educational materials to inform your patients.
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.
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.
References:
1,2 American Heart Association (2019). Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics – 2019 update.
3 Cleveland Clinic