Diversity in Cardiovascular Care: Advancing Health Equity

Abstract

Health inequities exist in cardiovascular care and outcomes, especially among women, older people, individuals from racial and ethnic minorities, lower income and rural communities often those most vulnerable to adverse health outcomes. Such diverse groups form most of the patient population but they are rarely reflected in the composition of the cardiovascular care workforce. Yet a diverse cardiovascular health care workforce can enhance access to care, reduce health disparities and inequities, and improve quality of care and research for such underserved populations. Such diversity also benefits student and staff development and strengthens organizational performance. A work environment and culture that embraces and celebrates diversity will likely advance health equity.

Keywords: cardiovascular care; diversity; equity.