Variations in admissions for heart attacks and cardiac procedures by ethnicity and deprivation

Abstract

The prevalence of heart disease varies with ethnicity and deprivation. By analysing one year's data for all hospital admissions with a cardiac diagnosis, we have shown that there are differences in the pattern of care between ethnic groups. Patients from a black and minority ethnic background tend to have an age profile that is 10 years younger than the majority white population. This finding is even more pronounced in those from deprived areas. We also show that black and minority ethnic patients have a different mix in respect of the proportion that is admitted for definitive treatment rather than for heart attacks. This preliminary finding may have explanations other than inequitable access to treatment.