Ethnic and Regional Differences in the Management of Angina: The Way Forward

Abstract

For decades, there has been great interest in ethnic differences in the management of angina and stable cardiovascular disease. Clinical decision-making is known to be both consciously and unconsciously influenced by a patient’s demographics, and this is due to in part to differences in clinical guidance and opinion. However, the evidence supporting such decision-making is sparse. Nonetheless, there is overwhelming evidence that international, national, regional, institutional, departmental and individual bias disproportionately affect subgroups of the population, resulting in adverse patient outcomes. While without doubt there will be rapid advancements in individualised therapies over the coming years and decades, the most beneficial immediate action clinicians can take is to reduce disparities in both the evidence base and care provision. Doing so will require great collaborative effort.