Black, Hispanic, and American Indian or Alaska Native patients who survive in-hospital cardiac arrest face significantly worse outcomes than White patients, according to new research analyzing data from over 350 hospitals nationwide. The study examined nearly 94,000 patients who were successfully resuscitated between 2018 and 2023.
Survival rates revealed stark inequities: only 34% of Black, Hispanic, and American Indian or Alaska Native patients survived to hospital discharge compared to 39% of White patients. The research also uncovered troubling disparities in how quickly do-not-attempt-resuscitation orders were entered after cardiac arrest.
White patients were more likely to have DNAR orders placed early—25% within 12 hours and 37% within 72 hours, compared to roughly 21-22% and 33% respectively for Black, Hispanic, and American Indian or Alaska Native patients. These orders can limit access to potentially life-saving post-arrest critical care for patients who might otherwise recover.
The implications are serious. When DNAR orders are placed too early, patients may be denied aggressive treatments like mechanical ventilation, dialysis, or transfer to specialized cardiac care units—interventions that could make the difference between death and meaningful recovery.
Interestingly, among patients who received early DNAR orders, the study found no survival differences by race. This suggests the disparity in DNAR placement itself may not directly drive survival gaps, but rather points to other systemic factors affecting outcomes for minority patients in critical care settings.
See: “Race and Ethnicity and Early Do Not Attempt Resuscitation Orders After In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest” (January 13, 2026)Â
