Coronary heart disease mortality/morbidity and risk in blacks. II: Access to medical care.

Since the cardiovascular disease mortality is higher, life expectancy shorter, and socioeconomic conditions lower for black persons compared to the majority population, speculation arises as to the possible role of distribution of health resources for this segment of the population. Data from the City of Los Angeles, collected by health districts allowing the parallel use of census tract data, confirm that deaths caused by ischemic heart disease occur at a lower age in blacks and that a dramatic fall in these rates (which are lower than for the majority population) has not occurred during the 1970-1979 period. Observations on some relevant factors and suggestions for further monitoring of health care needs and resources are offered.