Racial inequalities in the use of procedures for patients with ischemic heart disease in Massachusetts

The authors examined all admissions for circulatory diseases or chest to Massachusetts hospitals in 1985 for indications of interracial in the utilization of coronary angiography, coronary artery bypass, and coronary angioplasty for white and black patients. The study's and basis for analysis are explained in relation to the results that controlling for age, sex, payer, income, and diagnosis, whites underwent more angiography and coronary artery bypass grafting procedures somewhat more angioplasty procedures. These findings suggest that racial inequalities exist in the use of procedures for patients with coronary heart disease. (KIE abstract)