Focus on Health Equity and Action

Variation in Initiating Anticoagulation Therapy in Veterans with Atrial Fibrillation by Race, Ethnicity, and VA Facility

by Utibe Essien, MD, MPH ; Justin List, MD, MAR, MSc, FACP
Seminar date: 11/13/2024

Description: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac rhythm disorder in the U.S. and is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, including higher risk of ischemic stroke. Oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy significantly reduces the risk of ischemic stroke in individuals with AF and is the standard of care for patients with moderate to high stroke risk. Prior research, including in VA, has demonstrated access to anticoagulant therapies is inequitable, which has been seen as a possible driver for observed racial and ethnic disparities in ischemic stroke among those with AF. This Focus on Health Equity and Action Cyberseminar will highlight recent published research that identifies 1) national VA anticoagulation disparities by race, ethnicity, 2) facility variation in initiation of anticoagulant therapy and 3) the impact of VA diversity on anticoagulation disparities while discussing the importance of identifying and working to address these disparities.

View archived session video:

DOWNLOAD: PDF handout | Audio only (mp3) | transcript not yet available

Questions about the HSR website? Email the Web Team

Any health information on this website is strictly for informational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition.