A recent study from Penn State College of Medicine reveals that non-white patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy—a surgical procedure to remove plaque from the carotid artery—face a mortality rate twice that of white patients within 30 days post-surgery. This finding underscores enduring racial disparities in medical outcomes, despite advancements in research and clinical practice.
The research team conducted a meta-analysis of studies spanning 25 years, encompassing data from over half a million patients. They observed that non-white patients consistently exhibited higher mortality rates following the procedure, a trend that has remained unchanged over time. Lead author Ahsan Zil-E-Ali expressed surprise at the persistence of this increased risk, questioning why the issue has not been resolved.
Health disparities, defined as preventable differences in health outcomes among various groups, often stem from social and economic inequities. Factors such as geographic location, insurance coverage, and socioeconomic status contribute to structural inequities, affecting access to care and the quality of treatment received. These elements can lead to advanced disease stages at the time of care, delayed access to medical services, and inadequate postoperative follow-up, all of which may influence surgical outcomes.
Senior author Faisal Aziz noted that patients from different racial backgrounds often seek care at varying stages of disease progression, with non-white patients typically presenting at later stages. This delay can adversely affect surgical outcomes and highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.
The study emphasizes the importance of addressing underlying inequities within the healthcare system to improve outcomes for all patients, regardless of race or ethnicity. By focusing on equitable access to care and tailored treatment strategies, the medical community can work towards reducing these persistent disparities in vascular surgery outcomes.
See “Persistent racial disparities in vascular surgery outcomes” (November 13, 2024)
