Racial and Ethnic Differences in Heart Failure Etiology, Prognosis, and Management

Heart failure (HF) remains a major health care burden for the USA. Racial/ethnic groups in the USA are at increased risk for developing HF and incur higher rates of morbidity. Understanding the variations in the clinical syndrome of HF among different racial/ethnic groups is fundamental to addressing how to effectively treat these sub-groups. Despite evidence-based guideline-recommended medical and device therapy for HF, eligible patients from various racial/ethnic groups suffer disparities in receiving guideline-based HF therapy. The initiation of performance improvement programs has improved adherence to guideline-based therapy. The racial/ethnic differences that exist regarding the etiology and responses to medical therapy are fundamental to addressing ways to improve access to care, adherence, and overall survival in these at-risk groups. The review outlines racial/ethnic variations in the etiology, prognosis, and management with medical and device therapy for HF.