Advancements in techniques and treatment have transformed care for patients with cardiovascular disease over the last decade, and national and state-wide initiatives have been put in place to help close disparity gaps and improve treatment for all patients. But a study by investigators from Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that gaps remain, and that female patients and patients who live in lower income neighborhoods have higher rates of death following cardiovascular and thoracic procedures. The team also found that female patients had higher rates of urgent procedures and were in poorer health when they received surgery. Results are published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.