Heart failure
See who’s at risk for getting heart failure and the concerning disparities in treatment rates. And find insights to help you understand how to better reach undertreated women and people of color.
Who’s at risk?
 | Although fewer people are getting heart failure in the United States, the rate of decline is much lower in the Black community than in other racial/ethnic groups.1 |
| Despite being thought of having a lower risk, Hispanic and Latinx patients who are hospitalized for heart failure are younger than whites, have a higher rate of risk factors and higher mortality.1 |
| 3.6 million women in the United States are affected by heart failure.2 |
| Black people have nearly double the risk of developing heart failure when compared to white people.3 |
Who’s going untreated?
 | Hispanic and Black patients with heart failure are less likely to get an implantable device for disease management than whites, even though they’re more likely to meet the criteria needed for it.3 |
| White heart failure patients have a higher likelihood of receiving direct care from a cardiologist than Black patients.4 |
| Compared to men and white people, women and racial/ethnic minorities are less likely to receive appropriate medical therapy.4 |
Insight from underserved patients with heart failure
Boston Scientific commissioned a study on underserved groups across the country. Below is a snapshot of heart failure patients’ perceptions. You can also download a one-page summary.
Heart failure patients key insights (English PDF)
Heart failure patients key insights (Spanish PDF)
Barriers to accessing healthcare for heart failure
Our market research study found that people with heart failure identify these top obstacles in getting care:
- 46% say managing their heart failure with other health issues is challenging
- 50% say they have a problem getting care
- 50% cite the distance to receive care
Barriers causing delays to healthcare for heart failure
67% of patients say they are satisfied with information from their doctors. But the study also found that:
- 36% say it’s challenging to find the motivation to make changes
- Some patients know that their insurance offers rides, but find it hard to figure out the service
What can help underserved patients with heart failure
Give educational materials
- 90% of patients want additional information
- 54% of patients want printed take-home materials
- 34% of patients want downloadable materials online
Start by giving materials we’ve created, such as Black Americans and heart failure, Hispanics/Latinos and heart failure, and Women and heart failure.
Increase communication and access
- 54% name weekend appointments
- 42% say online appointments
- 40% ask for emails from a specialist
Connect with your patients
- Respondants say they need fewer insurance hassles, better support in budgeting, or covering costs of treatment, and healthy food recommendations
- You may want to consider addressing the priorities they named: to be informed and be partners in their care
Provider resources
What do patients say is needed to break down barriers to care? Find fast facts about what underserved patients say prevent them from following the path to specialty care.
Patient resources
Help referring physicians and primary care providers engage underserved patients in their care and improve their access to specialty care.
Get started
Dedicated health equity consultants from Boston Scientific can help you build an outreach effort specifically designed to reach those most at-risk within your community.
References:
- American Heart Association (2019). Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics – 2019 update.
- Cleveland Clinic - Heart Failure in Women
- Disparities in cardiovascular care: Past, present, and solutions Quentin R. Youmans, Lindsey Hastings Spaine, Oluseyi Princewill, Titilayo Shobayo, Ike S. Okwuosa Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine Sep 2019, 86 (9) 621 632; DOI: 10.3949/ccjm.86a.18088
- Harjai KJ, Nunez E, Humphrey JS, Turgut T, Shah M, Newman J. Does gender bias exist in the medical management of heart failure? Int J Cardiol 2000;75:65-9.