ABC & SCAI: Advancing Health Equity in Secondary ASCVD and Lp(a) Management-Health Equity in Cardiovascular Care: A Collaborative Call to Action, Quinn Capers, MD and Panel Discussion: Bridging the Gap Between Cath Lab, Primary Cardiology and Primary Care Providers Triston B. B. J. Smith, MD, FSCAI; Alaide Chieffo, MD; Tayo A. Addo, MD; Yolanda Hendley, MD

Health Equity in Cardiovascular Care: A Collaborative Call to Action, Quinn Capers, MD and Panel Discussion: Bridging the Gap Between Cath Lab, Primary Cardiology and Primary Care Providers Triston B. B. J. Smith, MD, FSCAI; Alaide Chieffo, MD; Tayo A. Addo, MD; Yolanda Hendley, MD

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Video Summary

The session in Washington DC addressed the pressing issue of health inequities in cardiology, highlighting that advanced cardiology tools and treatments often reach patients in an unequal manner across the United States. Minority groups, particularly Black and Hispanic individuals, are statistically less likely to receive appropriate cardiac care compared to their white counterparts. Despite extensive research documenting these disparities, progress remains stagnant. The lack of diversity in the cardiology workforce is a significant factor contributing to these disparities. Solutions proposed include diversifying the healthcare pipeline from early education through medical school, confronting systemic bias, ensuring equitable high-tech care, and standardizing care algorithms. In Europe and other regions, similar disparities exist, driven by ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic differences, further exacerbated by immigration trends. Discussions also tackled skepticism around statin use and new cardiovascular treatments, fortified by misinformation on social media. Another challenge highlighted was the cost and accessibility of important diagnostic tests like LP(a), necessary for comprehensive cardiac risk assessment but often not covered by insurance. To make strides toward health equity, collaborative efforts focusing on education, policy change, and resource allocation are essential, alongside maintaining open dialogues to reduce systemic biases in healthcare delivery.

Keywords

health inequities

cardiology disparities

minority groups

workforce diversity

systemic bias

cardiac care access

healthcare policy