Disparities in Current Pulmonary Embolism Management and Outcomes: A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism is a common cause of cardiovascular-associated morbidity and mortality. Although pulmonary embolism affects individuals from all demographics, the incidence of pulmonary embolism is higher among people from certain racial groups, reproductive-age women compared with age-matched men, and transgender people taking estrogen hormones. Furthermore, disparities may exist in the diagnosis or management strategies of pulmonary embolism associated with race, ethnicity, sex, or socioeconomic status, which may correlate with poorer downstream outcomes, including recurrent pulmonary embolism, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, or short- or long-term mortality. This scientific statement summarizes disparities in diagnosis, treatment strategies, and outcomes related to pulmonary embolism, and reviews approaches to create equitable pulmonary embolism care and address the knowledge gaps in the literature.