The Effect of Race and Sex on Physicians' Recommendations for Cardiac Catheterization

Epidemiologic studies have identified differences according to race and sex in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease in the United States. 1 – 18 Some studies have found that blacks and women are less likely than whites and men, respectively, to undergo cardiac catheterization or coronary-artery bypass graft surgery when they are admitted to the hospital for treatment of chest pain or myocardial infarction. 1 – 5 , 7 , 8 , 10 , 11 , 13 , 14 In contrast, other studies were unable to confirm that invasive procedures are underused in women. 15 , 16 Racial differences in the treatment of cardiovascular disease may be explained by financial and . . .