The Effect Of Socioeconomic Status: Patients In The Lowest Quartile Of Income May Be Subject To Worse Outcomes After Major Cardiac Surgery

Introduction: Racial disparities in cardiac surgery (CS) are well documented, but socioeconomic status (SES)’s role, independent of race and other factors, requires further study. Our purpose is to investigate effects of low SES on patient outcomes after CS. Methods: National Inpatient Sample 2010-15, was queried. Adult patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), mitral valve repair (MVRR) or replacement (MVRT) were identified. Patient & hospital characteristics, charges, and outcomes of patients in the lowest quartile of income by zip code (low SESP) and highest (high SESP) were compared, per procedure. Multivariable analysis was used to determine effects of SES on outcomes; primary was in-hospital mortality (death). Results: Number of procedures, low v. high SESP: CABG (30,799).