A study conducted by researchers at the University of Leeds has revealed that women and older people are less likely to receive gold-standard care for heart problems in the UK National Health Service (NHS) compared to men and younger individuals. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) criticized the “unjust inequalities” in care and described the country as being “firmly in the grip of a heart care crisis.”
The study examined registries tracking heart care among UK hospital patients who required treatment for various heart conditions, such as heart attacks, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and aortic stenosis, over the past two decades. The researchers found that women and older people were less likely to receive guideline-recommended treatment than their male and younger counterparts. They also discovered that older people and women who had a heart attack were less likely to undergo invasive coronary angiography, a test used to identify arterial blockages.
Furthermore, older people and women experienced longer wait times for heart failure diagnoses and were less likely to receive medication to slow the progression of heart failure and atrial fibrillation. The study also found significant disparities in care depending on the region, with variations in waiting times for specific procedures for aortic stenosis across different health bodies in England.
The study estimated that delays in treatment resulted in around 500 avoidable deaths in the UK in 2019. Prompt treatment is crucial for severe aortic stenosis, as half of patients without timely intervention are likely to die within two years of symptom onset.
The researchers concluded that the UK NHS does not currently provide equitable care for all patients, leading to differential outcomes. They emphasized the need for bold action from the government to address these inequalities in heart care and prevent avoidable deaths and disabilities.
The study also highlighted potential disparities in heart care for individuals from different ethnic backgrounds, although limited evidence prevented conclusive conclusions. For example, data suggested that black patients with atrial fibrillation were less likely to receive appropriate treatment to prevent stroke compared to white patients.
The BHF, which funded the study, expressed concern over the unequal care revealed by the research. Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan, associate medical director at the charity, called for prioritizing NHS heart care to ensure timely access to necessary interventions and prevent avoidable health disparities.
Lead author Professor Chris Gale stressed the need for a systematic approach to collect data and report on all aspects of heart treatment, care, and outcomes. By utilizing NHS data effectively, policymakers can make informed decisions and allocate resources more effectively to improve patient experiences and outcomes.
Efforts to transform heart care in the past have been successful in reducing waiting lists, and lessons learned from these experiences should inform future strategies. The study also called for the consideration of specific women’s health needs in heart disease care, in line with the Welsh Government’s focus on equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation services.
The UK Government expressed its commitment to preventing cardiovascular disease through its upcoming Major Conditions Strategy. It aims to address health disparities and improve care for individuals with cardiovascular conditions through measures such as early detection, health checks, and community diagnostic centers.
In conclusion, the study highlights the urgent need to address the disparities in heart care in the NHS, particularly in relation to gender and age. By implementing comprehensive data collection, improving access to guideline-recommended treatment, and ensuring prompt diagnoses, the UK can make significant progress in providing equitable care for all individuals with heart problems.
Sources:
– The British Heart Foundation (BHF)
– The University of Leeds
– The journal Lancet Regional Health – Europe
– The Welsh Government
– The UK Government (NHS England Long Term Plan)