Sociodemographic Differences in the Utilization of Remote Pulmonary Artery Pressure Measurements for Heart Failure Patients in the USA

ABSTRACT

Background The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a major surge in telehealth practices, including the increased utilization of remote Pulmonary Artery Pressure (PAP) among cardiologists worldwide. This study aimed to assess the sociodemographic differences in the utilization of the CardioMEMS HF system for remote PAP monitoring in patients with Heart Failure in the USA. Methods The National inpatient sample database of the USA was queried for all patients with HF who received the CardioMEMS HF system between 2016 and 2019. Multiple logistic regression models were subsequently performed to investigate the socio-demographic factors influencing remote pulmonary artery pressure measurements. Results A total of 1540 patients had a CardioMEMS device for remote PAP monitoring between 2016 and 2019. Following a multivariate analysis accounting for potential confounders, we noted that the use of remote PAP was lower in women vs. men (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.65, CI 0.52 - 0.82, p < 0.001). Patients who lived in low (AOR 0.38, CI 0.25 - 0.57, p < 0.001), medium (AOR 0.57, CI 0.40 - 0.82, p = 0.003), and high-income neighborhoods (AOR 0.60, CI 0.44 - 0.82, p < 0.001), were also less likely to have remote PAP compared to patients who lived in very high-income neighborhoods. There was no racial difference or association between device use and primary insurance payer. Conclusion There are inequities in the utilization of remote PAP monitoring amongst the Heart Failure population within the USA.Copyright © 2023 American College of Cardiology Foundation