What factors contribute to disparities in the treatment of racial and ethnic minorities in STEMI patients?
Disparities in the treatment of racial and ethnic minorities in STEMI patients can be attributed to factors such as female sex, different door-to-fibrinolysis and door-to-balloon (or device) (D2B) times, less frequent prescription of aspirin or beta blockers within 24 hours of presentation, higher risk for bleeding with antithrombotic therapy, and higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus. Institution of a coordinated regional approach to triage and management of STEMI patients has been associated with significant improvements in treatment times that are similar for whites and blacks and for women and men. It is recommended that accurate data on patient race and ethnicity be collected and used to detect disparities, guide quality improvement initiatives, and strengthen ties to the community.