Untwisting healthcare access disparities: A comprehensive analysis of demographic, socio-economic and racial disparities impacting patient outcomes in myocardial infarction patients

Introduction: Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most life-threatening pathologies characterized by sudden cardiac death and is among the leading causes of mortality in the developed world. Aims: This study investigates the demographic, socio-economic, and healthcare access disparities in the US among patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Methodology: This was a retrospective original research study conducted using the BRFSS (Behavioural risk factor surveillance system) database of CDC (Centers for disease control and prevention).Data was extracted from the BRFSS on 3rd January 2024 to identify patients with MI in the year 2021 and multivariate models were used to assess the relationship between factors such as age, gender, income levels, and education in patients with myocardial infarction. Results: Individuals in the age group of 65 years or older constituted the highest percentage of MI cases at 66.33 % (OR, 16.66; 95 % CI, 10.27-27.02; p-value <0.0001).Males showed a higher prevalence of MI, accounting for 61.19 % of cases, and females demonstrated lower susceptibility (OR, 0.46; 95 % CI, 0.43-0.50; p-value <0.0001).High school graduates (Grade 12 or GED) exhibited the highest incidence at 32.08 % (OR, 1.44; 95 % CI, 0.81-2.56; p-value 0.2084). Retirees accounted for the highest incidence at 56.06 %, with significantly increased odds compared to those employed for wages (OR, 1.93; 95 % CI, 1.71-2.19; p-value <0.0001).The analysis of income levels indicated the highest MI incidence in the $25,000 <= Income < $35,000 group (17.31 % of cases). Conclusions: Additional research is necessary to further disentangle the interaction between MI and factors such as age, gender, education level, race, employment status, and income level, and as the findings of this study suggest, retired individuals and individuals from lower-income groups indicate a disparity in access to timely treatment regarding MI. Thus, the determination of such discrepancies needs to be addressed regarding how such factors affect access to timely healthcare, especially in matters of widely prevalent diseases such as MI.