Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Treatment of Aortic Stenosis: Current Challenges and Future Strategies for Achieving Equity in Care

AbstractPurpose of reviewAortic stenosis (AS) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Despite the growing prevalence of AS among an aging and increasingly diverse population, racial minorities remain underrepresented in the treatment of severe AS. This review highlights racial and ethnic disparities in the management of AS, associated barriers limiting access to care, and proposed solutions to combat these findings.Recent findingsAortic stenosis appears to be less prevalent among racial and ethnic minorities. Despite these findings, they experience significant disparities in the management of AS. Minorities are less likely to have specialist referral and appropriate surveillance, and undergo aortic valve replacement (AVR).SummaryRacial and ethnic disparities have been demonstrated within the management of AS from diagnosis to definitive treatment. Proposed strategies include expanding access to care, increasing disparities awareness and implicit bias, improving inclusion of minorities in research trials, cultural competency training, and the diversification of the healthcare workforce.
Source: Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research