In a new study, it becomes clear that nearly half of the counties in the United States have no cardiologists. This significant gap affects around 22 million Americans, increasing their risk of heart disease and early death, potentially reducing their life expectancy by one year.
BANGKOK, THAILAND: TO GO WITH STORY "AFPLIFESTYLE-HEALTH-ASIA-TOURISM" Thai cardiologist Wattanaphol Phipatananunth (L) checks a Norwegian patient at cardiology ward of Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok, 22 November 2005. (Photo : SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Cardiologists Void Across America
The study by the American College of Cardiology highlights significant disparities in healthcare access across the US. According to Interesting Engineering, after surveying all 3,143 counties, nearly half, or 1,454 counties, were found to have no cardiologists.
This lack of access affects approximately 22 million residents, putting them at higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. Experts warn that this disparity could potentially reduce life expectancy in these underserved communities by up to one year.
Researchers emphasize that policymakers must address the correlation between disease rates and doctor shortages. Haider Warraich, MD, director of the heart failure program at VA Boston Healthcare and associate physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, stressed the alarming lack of cardiologists in areas with high heart disease and mortality rates.
The study underscores the urgency for states to take immediate action.
Challenges Faced by Native Americans, Southern Communities
The comprehensive survey across the US reveals that Native American populations and southern counties face the highest likelihood of lacking access to cardiologists.
The study highlights a stark contrast in travel distance to the nearest cardiologist, with an average of 16.3 miles in counties with cardiologists compared to 87.1 miles in those without.
Residents in underserved areas experience a 31% higher cardiovascular risk, attributed to rural settings, lower incomes, limited insurance coverage, and insufficient access to primary care physicians. These disparities contribute to preventable hospitalizations.
The study's findings emphasize the urgent need to address significant disparities in cardiovascular health outcomes for Americans living in rural and disadvantaged areas.
Researchers are advocating for policy reforms as cardiovascular disease widens the gap between urban and rural communities.
These reforms could include financial incentives to attract healthcare providers to underserved regions and the implementation of telemedicine programs to improve access to care. Integrating cardiovascular care with primary care is crucial, especially in terms of prevention and managing risk factors.
Cardiovascular diseases, responsible for an estimated 17.9 million deaths annually worldwide, highlight the urgent need for preventive measures like diet, exercise, and effective regulation steps that could prevent up to 80% of cases.
In the US, these issues are particularly pronounced in lower-income areas. The study's findings, described by JACC Editor-in-Chief Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM, FACC, as both enlightening and concerning, underscore the gravity of the situation.
Addressing these disparities is crucial, requiring state support to mitigate this significant public health challenge and reduce preventable deaths. Researchers highlight geographic disparities in access to cardiologists across the US.
