Regional differences in clinical profile, quality of care, and outcomes among Hispanic patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction in the Get with Guidelines-Coronary Artery Disease (GWTG-CAD) registry.

BACKGROUND

Although Hispanics constitute the largest minority in the United States, it is unknown whether regional differences in quality of care and outcomes exist among Hispanic patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction (MI).

METHODS

Using the GWTG-CAD Registry, clinical characteristics, conformity with quality measures, and in-hospital outcomes were assessed among Hispanic patients from different geographic regions admitted for acute MI in participating hospitals.

RESULTS

A total of 11,299 Hispanic patients treated for acute MI at 277 hospitals from 4 regions were included in the study. Midwestern Hispanics were more likely to be younger, with male predominance in all regions. Northeastern Hispanics were more often insured with Medicaid. All subgroups showed high rates of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and smoking, with the highest rates observed in the northeast region. Northeastern Hispanics were more likely to be discharged on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, β-blockers, and statin or other lipid-lowering therapy. No significant regional differences were observed in aspirin, clopidogrel, and guideline-recommended door-to-balloon and door-to-thrombolysis times. Although Hispanics in the south and northeast were more likely to have a longer hospital stay compared with the west, there were no regional differences in in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Among Hispanics with acute MI enrolled in the GWTG-CAD program, there were modest regional differences in clinical profile; high rates of use and, with few exceptions, no regional differences in guideline-recommended therapies; and no regional variation in in-hospital mortality.