Racial disparities in cardiovascular conditions

This report analyzes the disparity in cardiovascular conditions experienced by Black people compared with that of white people. Our claims-based study focused on two aspects of cardiovascular conditions: prevalence rates and provider patterns of care. We looked across all insurance coverage segments: commercial, Medicaid managed care, Medicare fee-for-service (MFFS) and Medicare Advantage plans. Our analysis found that, compared with their non-Hispanic white counterparts, Black people experience higher prevalence rates of cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, and pulmonary heart disease. We also discuss three factors that can contribute to racial disparities in cardiovascular disease and health overall—racism, implicit bias, and data insufficiency—and approaches that healthcare organizations can take to addressing racial disparities in cardiovascular disease, and more broadly to achieve equity in health care.