Heart disease in black and white

Despite the dismantling of legal barriers that enforced segregation and limited opportunity for black Americans, racial disparities persist in all areas of American society. Health care is no exception. Two studies in this issue of the Journal demonstrate striking racial differences in the incidence and treatment of cardiovascular disease. These findings raise broader questions about racial disparities in access to care and the effectiveness of communication between doctors and patients. (August 26, 1993)