title: Racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes after heart transplantation: A systematic review of contributing factors and future directions to close the outcomes gap.
abstract: The demographics of patients undergoing heart transplantation in the United States have shifted over the last 10 years, with an increasing number of racial and ethnic minorities undergoing heart transplant. Multiple studies have shown that survival of African American patients after heart transplantation is lower compared with other ethnic groups. We review the data supporting the presence of this outcome disparity and examine the multiple mechanisms that contribute. With an increasingly diverse population in the United States, knowledge of these disparities, their mechanisms, and ways to improve outcomes is essential.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. Electronic address: aamorr3@emory.edu.
authors.forename: Alanna A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Beverly Hills, California.
authors.forename: Evan P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Kransdorf
authors.affiliation: Nursing Research and Development, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
authors.forename: Bernice L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Coleman
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Colvin
mesh_terms: D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D044469:Racial Groups; D014481:United States
keywords: LVAD; cardiomyopathy; health disparities; heart transplantation; race/ethnicity