Health care disparities in cardiovascular disease: A focus on gender

It would be easy to conclude that lower socioeconomic level and less insurance coverage are themajor causes of the disparities. However, we must recognize that although these are important considerations for ethnic and racial minorities, they are not the only factors. Race and ethnicity themselves significantly influence the type of care received.3 By focusing on the quality of care accessed by and provided to racially, ethnically, socioeconomically, and geographically different populations, the IOM guidance document spotlighted an urgent need to address health care inequities and created a forum for ethical debates on any decision making that would perpetuate such disparities. National attention is also being brought to bear on this issue by the US Department of Health and Human Services through the Healthy People 2010 initiative.4 Finding solutions that would eliminate health care disparities is a key target in creating a healthier population today and in the future. Although eliminating health care disparities in minority populations should remain a focus of this effort, we cannot lose sight of gender-based disparities, especially as they relate to the diagnosis and treatment of CVD.