Disparities Exist in Heart Care

Several studies presented recently at theAmerican Heart Association's scientific sessionsindicated that both gender and ethnic inequalitiesexist in the treatment and control of high cholesterol.One of the studies showed that at least22.3% of all participants had cholesterol levelsthat met the guidelines for medication. Men weretreated less often for low-density lipoprotein cholesterollevels and were less apt to keep themunder control, compared with women.

Similar results were seen among African Americansand Hispanics. These groups were lesslikely to have their cholesterol levels treated andcontrolled, compared with Caucasians.