Racial disparity in the utilization of implantable-cardioverter defibrillators among patients with prior myocardial infarction and an ejection fraction of

Age-adjusted sudden cardiac death rates are highest for black patients compared with other racial groups. The prophylactic implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) provides a significant reduction in sudden cardiac death and overall mortality in patients after myocardial infarctions with significant left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to determine whether black patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction were less likely than white patients to receive ICDs for the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. Data from the National Registry to Advance Heart Health (ADVANCENT) were analyzed to determine which patients with histories of myocardial infarctions and ejection fractions

Duke Scholars

Author Kevin Lindsey Thomas Medicine, Cardiology

Author Sana Mustapha Al-Khatib Medicine, Cardiology