Explaining racial differences in receipt of coronary angiography: the role of physician referral and physician specialty.

The authors examine three hypotheses regarding race differences in utilization of coronary angiography (CA): (1) patients with a cardiology consultation are more likely to obtain a referral for CA, (2) African American patients are less likely to have a cardiology consultation, and (3) among patients referred for CA, there is no difference by race in receipt of the procedure. To determine if they obtained a referral for or received CA, 2.623 candidates for CA were followed.

Effects of clopidogrel and aspirin combination versus aspirin alone on platelet aggregation and major receptor expression in patients with heart failure: the Plavix Use for Treatment Of Congestive Heart Failure (PLUTO-CHF) trial.

Background: Persistent platelet activation may contribute to thrombotic events in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Chronic use of mild platelet inhibitors could therefore represent an independent avenue to improve morbidity, mortality, and quality of life in this expanding population. Although clopidogrel is widely used in patients with acute coronary syndromes and ischemic stroke, the ability of this novel ADP-receptor antagonist to inhibit platelet function in patients with CHF is unknown.

The cardiac access longitudinal study. A study of access to invasive cardiology among African American and white patients.

Objectives: We sought to identify factors contributing to racial disparity in the receipt of coronary angiography (CA).

Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated that African American patients are less likely to receive needed diagnostic and therapeutic coronary procedures than white patients. This report summarizes the methods and findings of a study linking medical records with patient and physician interviews to address racial disparities in the utilization of CA.

Physician referral patterns and race differences in receipt of coronary angiography.

Objective: This study addresses the following research questions: (1) Is race a predictor of obtaining a referral for coronary angiography (CA) among patients who are appropriate candidates for the procedure? (2) Is there a race disparity in obtaining CA among patients who obtain a referral for the procedure?

Study Setting: Three community hospitals in Baltimore, Maryland.

Study Design: We abstracted hospital records of 7,927 patients from three hospitals to identify 2,653 patients who were candidates for CA. Patients were contacted by telephone to determine if they received a referral for CA.