Click on image to view larger version.

Figure 3 Odds ratios for selected methodologically strong studies: coronary artery bypass graft surgery (African Americans/whites). *Odds ratio findings taken from Kressin N, Petersen L. Racial differences in the use of invasive cardiovascular procedures: review of the literature and prescription for future research. Ann Intern Med 2001;135:352–6. Study analyzes more than one procedure or treatment. Odds ratio: African Americans/whites 2.26 (0.42 to 12.11). The authors computed relative risks, which are comparable to odds ratios when the events are rare. Both measure the strength of an association between a factor and an outcome. Note: Studies selected for this figure were all methodologically strong studies that used odds ratios for analyzing statistical differences between African Americans and whites. An odds ratio of 1.0 means there is an equal likelihood of receiving the procedure or treatment. An odds ratio of <1.0 means African Americans are less likely to receive the procedure or treatment. Source: Kaiser Family Foundation/American College of Cardiology Foundation. Racial/Ethnic Differences in Cardiac Care: The Weight of the Evidence (9).