Racial disparities in cardiovascular manifestations among patients with sickle cell trait: analysis of national inpatient sample data (2016–2020)

Sickle cell trait (SCT) is a condition that affects up to 3 million individuals and 10% of African Americans (AA) in the United States (U.S.). Although often believed to be benign, the true burden of the condition remains understudied. Data is also lacking regarding the racial disparities in SCT and if African American individuals with SCT are at increased cardiovascular risk compared to individuals of other races. Using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, we investigated cardiovascular outcomes in AA individuals with SCT compared to other racial groups. Our study reported statistically significant higher odds of acute heart failure in AA individuals with SCT (Adjusted OR: 1.39 (p < 0.01, 95% CI: 1.13-1.71). Further studies investigating the racial disparities and cardiovascular risk among individuals with SCT are warranted to measure the causal effects.