Racial disparities in myocardial vs. vascular disease mortality: a 20-year nationwide analysis (2000–2022)

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI) and vascular disease (VD) are the leading causes of global mortality but despite this mortality trends, demographic disparities, and racial variations have been insufficientlyexplored. This study was done using CDC WONDER database to explore outcome disparities among different population groups. It is essential to understand these dynamics for promoting health care and effective interventions.

Purpose

To examine national mortality trends in myocardial infarction and vascular disease from 2000 to 2022 and assess disparities across age and racial/ethnic groups to inform targeted public health efforts.

Method

We used the CDC WONDER database from 2000 to 2022. Data was identified using ICD-10 codes for vascular disease (I20-I25, I30-I52, I7O.0-I70.9, I71.0-I7,1.9I73.0-I73.9) and Myocardial disease (I60-I69). Age adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 1,000,000 population with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Joinpoint Regression analysis was used to determine Annual Percentage Change (APC) trends.

Results

This study reveals alarming trends in mortality rates due to MI and VD, affecting individuals across the entire age spectrum, from young adults (<25 years) to old (65+). Rates exhibited noticeable changes across racial/ethnic and age categories. All groups show a decreasing trend for both conditions.

The rates of MI have consistently been higher than those for VD in all racial and ethnic. From 2000 to 2022, Black or African American individuals had the highest rates with declining trend (292 to 171.98 for MI and 97.61 to 64.01 for VD) followed by Whites, then American Indian or Alaska Natives and subsequently Hispanic or Latino group (184.79 to 96.72 for MI and 55.17 to 38.77 for VD).

Both conditions show a general downward trend across all age groups, with older adults (65+) experiencing the highest rates and the most significant absolute reductions (1616.47 to 888.25 for MI and 522.14 to 298.5 for VD).

The younger age groups (<25) have lower rates and demonstrate modest reductions indicating the need for ongoing prevention efforts.

Conclusion

The study shows remarkable improvement in mortality rates for MI and VD among all ages and ethnic groups, which points towards improved healthcare access and awareness. Though the mortality trend showed improvement,MI rates were consistently higher, especially in African Americans. Older aged adults 65+ had the highest rates but saw the most substantial declines. This emphasize the importance for further monitoring and public health interventions for high risk populations to further reduce mortality.Image 1