Rural-Urban Differences in Sociodemographic Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes among Patients Referred for Advanced Heart Failure Therapies

Authors

• Niharika Chinta, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Medical Student
• Luke A. Laconi, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Medical Student
• Joeita Macfield, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Medical Student
• Maria Obeidat, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Medical Student
• Anjali Purohit, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Medical Student
• Dana Marsy, Corewell Health West
• Nabin Manandhar Shrestha, Corewell Health West
• Sangjin Lee, Corewell Health West
• Michael G. Dickinson, Corewell Health West
• David R. Fermin, Corewell Health West
• Matthew Gonzalez, Corewell Health West
• Ryan Grayburn, Corewell Health West
• Milena Jani, Corewell Health West
• Eesha Purohit, Corewell Health West
• Renzo Loyaga-Rendon, Corewell Health West

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

4-2026

Publication Title

Journal of the American College of Cardiology

Abstract

Background: Geographic location can affect access to healthcare and outcomes in chronic diseases. While disparities in outcomes after advanced heart failure (AHF) therapies such as LVAD and heart transplantation (HT) have been documented, little is known about disparities at the time of referral. Our objective was to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients referred for AHF therapies according to their geographic location (rural vs. urban).

Methods: All patients referred to Corewell Health West for AHF therapies evaluation from 2009 to 2024 were included in this study. Patients were categorized according to their residence into 2 groups: rural or urban (by Zip code). Demographic, clinical, laboratory and outcome characteristics were compared between them.

Results: Among the 1,189 patients included in our study, 342 lived in rural areas and 847 lived in urban areas. Rural patients were older (58 vs. 56 years; p=0.044) and more frequently White (91% vs. 72%; p< 0.001), while urban patients had higher income (39% vs. 13%; p< 0.001). Ischemic cardiomyopathy was more prevalent in rural populations (51% vs. 38%; p< 0.001), and rural patients were less likely to be evaluated for only HT (15% vs 21%; p=0.025). There were no differences in AHF therapies acceptance or survival between rural and urban patients (Table 1).

Conclusion: Despite differences in sociodemographic factors and heart failure etiology, rural and urban patients had similar AHF therapy acceptance, management, and survival.

Volume

87

Issue

13 Suppl

First Page

A693

Comments

American College of Cardiology 75th Annual Scientific Session & Expo, March 28-30, 2026, New Orleans, LA

Last Page

A693

Recommended Citation

Chinta N, Laconi LA, Macfield J, Obeidat M, Purohit A, Marsy D, et al. [Shrestha NM, Lee S, Dickinson MG, Fermin DR, Gonzalez M, Grayburn R, Jani M, Purohit E, Loyaga-Rendon RY]. Rural-urban differences in sociodemographic characteristics and clinical outcomes among patients referred for advanced heart failure therapies. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2026;87(13 Suppl):A693. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2026.02.1811.

DOI

10.1016/j.jacc.2026.02.1811

ISSN

0735-1097