Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Study: Minority heart failure patients face higher death risk

Ethnic minority heart failure patients had a 36 per cent higher death risk than White patients over 17 months.

Study: Minority heart failure patients face higher death risk

ETHNIC minority heart failure patients were found to have a 36 per cent higher risk of death compared to white patients over an average follow-up period of 17 months, according to a new study.

The disparity is even more pronounced in patients who also suffer from atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder, the study published on Monday (3) has revealed.


In this subgroup, ethnic minority patients were more than twice as likely to die compared to white patients, even after adjusting for factors like age.

Beta blockers, a common treatment for heart failure and atrial fibrillation, showed a 30 per cent reduction in death rates for white patients, researchers have found out after analysing data from over 16,700 patients.

However, the analysis did not demonstrate a significant protective effect for ethnic minority patients, potentially due to the under-representation of these groups in clinical trials. Across the 12 clinical trials analysed, 89 per cent of participants were white, underscoring the need for more inclusive research.

The study by researchers at the University of Birmingham, supported by the British Heart Foundation and presented at the British Cardiovascular Society conference in Manchester, also highlighted significant disparities in heart failure treatment and outcomes.

Sebastian Fox, a final-year medical student and co-lead author, stressed the importance of addressing the disparity.

He said, “It is crucial that steps are taken to close this worrying gap in heart failure treatment and outcomes. The most important thing we can do going forward is include more ethnic minority patients in trials of heart failure treatments. We otherwise risk drawing inappropriate conclusions that treatments are equally effective across different ethnicities.

“Another important factor to address is the combination of barriers to healthcare facing ethnic minority patients, resulting in later presentation to a doctor with a more advanced form of heart failure. This in turn is likely to lead to poorer outcomes for these patients. We need to investigate the root causes of these differences and find solutions to potential barriers these groups experience when seeking healthcare.”

The researchers pointed to several potential causes for the disparities. Evidence from other studies suggests that ethnic minority patients often seek medical help later, when their condition is more advanced and harder to treat. Additionally, there may be differences in the effectiveness and use of treatments among different ethnic groups.

Read Also: Sharp rise in cancer cases among young adults: Study

Hospitalisation rates also differed significantly between the groups. Nearly one-third of ethnic minority heart failure patients were hospitalised for cardiovascular issues, compared to one-quarter of white patients. For those with atrial fibrillation, around 40 per cent of ethnic minority patients were admitted to hospitals versus 30 per cent of white patients.

Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan, associate medical director of the British Heart Foundation and a consultant cardiologist, indicated that the study underscores significant health disparities in heart failure outcomes based on a patient's ethnicity.

“While this study was observational and cannot tell us about cause and effect, it found that patients with an ethnic minority background were sicker and more likely to die from their heart failure than others," she said.

“If we are to close this gap, it is vital we gain a better understanding of barriers in accessing care that face those from minority ethnicity backgrounds. It is also important that research is representative of those affected by cardiovascular disease, to ensure that tests and treatments can benefit those who need them. If you have been prescribed medications for heart failure, it important to take them as recommended by your doctor.”

More For You

Indian American doctor struck off register over human trafficking

The medical license has been permanently revoked for illegally recruiting and harbouring two Indian women to be household servants for low pay. (Photo for representation: iStock)

Indian American doctor struck off register over human trafficking

THE medical license of an Indian American physician has been permanently revoked for illegally recruiting and harbouring two Indian women to be household servants for low pay.

Dr Harsha Sahni, who maintained a rheumatology practice in Colonia, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to conceal and harbour aliens and filing a false tax return last February.

Keep ReadingShow less
Daljit Nagra departs as chair of Royal Society of Literature

Daljit Nagra (Photo: RSL)

Daljit Nagra departs as chair of Royal Society of Literature


THE Royal Society of Literature (RSL) has announced the departure of Daljit Nagra, a well-known British Indian poet, as its chair at the conclusion of his four-year term.

Amid some frenzied UK media speculation over the leadership of the 204-year-old home for Britain’s literary talent, the charity also confirmed that its director will be stepping down at the end March. It comes in the wake of rows over freedom of speech and accusations that the RSL had failed to speak out in favour of some writers.

Keep ReadingShow less
Los-Angeles-wildfires-Getty

The fires have destroyed hundreds of homes in Pacific Palisades, a high-profile area known for its multimillion-dollar residences. (Photo: Getty Images)

Celebrities evacuate as Los Angeles wildfires destroy homes

CELEBRITIES including actors, musicians, and other public figures were among tens of thousands affected by deadly wildfires in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The entertainment industry has largely paused, with events such as a major awards show and a Pamela Anderson film premiere cancelled as firefighters combat flames driven by hurricane-force winds.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tirupati-temple

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which operates the temple, apologised for the incident and promised action against those responsible. (Photo: X/@TTDevasthanams)

Six dead in stampede at India's Tirupati temple

AT LEAST six people have died and 35 were injured in a stampede near the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh, authorities said on Thursday.

The incident occurred as thousands of devotees rushed to secure free passes to visit the temple, popularly known as Tirupati.

Keep ReadingShow less
People-smuggling-Getty

Last year, 36,816 people were detected making the crossing, a 25 per cent increase from 2023 and the second-highest annual total on record. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Sanctions to target people smugglers under new plan

THE GOVERNMENT has announced plans to impose economic sanctions on people smugglers in an effort to curb migrant crossings in small boats over the Channel.

The proposed measures, described as the world’s first “standalone sanctions regime” targeting people smugglers, aim to address the issue by sanctioning individuals and groups facilitating these dangerous journeys.

Keep ReadingShow less