There is a link between household income and the short to medium term outcome of heart disease, according to a new study.

Previous research has shown an association between socioeconomic status and severity of heart disease. But these studies used zip code and educational level as indirect measures of poverty or affluence. A new study from Duke Clinical Research Institute has explored the link between household income and the post-discharge outcome of patients who received hospital care for heart disease.

The study finds that those in the below 20,000 dollar a year income bracket are more likely to die or have another non-fatal heart attack at 30 days and six months after discharge, compared to those earning more than this. The researchers say this might be because those in the lower income group are more likely to smoke and more likely to have risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure. There may also be an issue over non-compliance with medication and even an inability to afford prescribed drugs. It's important this is explored further so that the gap between rich and poor in health outcomes can be narrowed and even closed.

Source

Journal of the American College of Cardiology 4th June 2003