Disparities in Heart Failure Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Management, and Outcomes.

Heart failure (HF) disproportionately impacts minority groups in the United States. Among minorities living with HF, disparities exist in treatment, access to advanced therapies such as durable left ventricular assist devices and heart transplantation, and outcomes. Reasons for observed disparities range from the prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors to social determinants of health, including housing, access to healthcare, and socioeconomic status. Clinical practice guidelines frequently are unable to address these observed disparities, and clinical trials often underrepresent minority populations. Custom programs tailored toward addressing disparities in HF care are needed to help improve outcomes in minority populations.