Meta-Analysis of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Rhythm Control Strategies for Atrial Fibrillation in the United States

Rhythm control strategies are a key component of atrial fibrillation (AF) therapy, with recent reports suggesting racial and ethnic disparities in their utilization. We aimed to determine differences in the utilization of catheter ablation (CA), direct current cardioversion (DCCV), and anti-arrhythmic drugs (AAD) among different racial and ethnic groups. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (from inception to January 31st, 2024) for studies including adults with AF and reporting CA, DCCV, or AAD utilization rates in at least 2 racial and ethnic groups. Our primary outcome was the likelihood of Black, Hispanic, and Asian individuals undergoing each rhythm control strategy compared to White patients. Pooled estimates were calculated with a random-effects model and were reported as odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Nineteen studies were included comprising 12,598,109 patients. The pooled ORs (95% CI) of undergoing CA for Black individuals was 0.68 (95% CI 0.56 to 0.83), for Hispanic individuals was 0.72 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.82), and for Asian individuals was 0.64 (95% CI 0.48 to 0.86), compared to White individuals. The likelihood of undergoing DCCV (OR [95% CI]) was lower in Black (0.69 [95% CI 0.57 to 0.82]), Hispanic (0.67 [95% CI 0.57 to 0.80]), Asian (0.68 [95% CI 0.64 to 0.72]) patients compared to White patients. Our results identified that racial and ethnic minoritized groups with AF are significantly less likely to undergo treatment with a rhythm control strategy. In conclusion, these findings highlight a significant gap in healthcare delivery that stakeholders, healthcare systems, and clinicians should address.