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Did you know that:
In 2006, a team of physicians and other health care professionals from across the United States came together through the Close the Gap initiative to identify opportunities and develop strategies to address disparities in cardiovascular care for the underserved patient populations of women, black Americans, and Hispanic/Latino Americans.
Learn whether you are at risk for heart disease, and if so, what you can do to lower your risk.
The disparities are real and have been documented. Despite similar prevalence across racial/ethnic groups, women and people of color are treated at a lesser rate for cardiovascular disease than Caucasian men. And with the publication of several recent related studies, as well as the momentum of the Close the Gap educational initiative, disparities in care discussions have become more mainstream and more frequent.
While interest around cardiovascular treatment disparities is growing in the healthcare sector, the public sector is also taking note. Close the Gap continues to educate a variety of audiences about how race, ethnicity and gender can affect an individual’s potential for developing heart disease and for receiving appropriate treatment for the disease. Close the Gap team members and volunteers have been actively educating and engaging audiences from across the country, talking with leaders in the corporate, government, athletic, and faith-based communities.
Learn more about the Close the Gap educational initiative and check our Calendar of Events for upcoming events near you.
Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, 2009 Update. Available at http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200026