Minorities at Greater Risk?

The September 2005 issue of American Heart Journal stated in an article that hospitalizations for patients with heart failure were greater among black and Hispanic people than among people of other ethnicities. The results showed that compared with white enrollees, black enrollees had a 50% increased risk of heart failure hospitalization and Hispanic enrollees had a 20% increased risk. The likelihood of hospitalization for heart failure was 50 percent less likely among Asian enrollees.

This study was done by researchers in Miami and Atlanta, using data from the Medicare Provider Analysis Record (1990 to 2000). Investigators involved in this study say that because Hispanics are the fastest growing sects in the United States, heart conditions will increase in importance as a major health condition.

Dr. Janet B. Croft, of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says how the government wants to approach this situation,

"To combat these disparities, national professional and patient education efforts are needed that focus on developing and implementing culturally competent prevention and treatment strategies."