From 1999-2023, AMI mortality declined from 2061.2 to 607.4 per million (AAPC -4.9%), SCD from 286.4 to 146.6 (AAPC -2.6%), with highest rates in Non-Hispanic Black individuals.
Despite overall declines in mortality from 1999 to 2023, significant racial and gender disparities persist in sudden cardiac death and acute myocardial infarction mortality, with Non-Hispanic Black individuals at highest risk.
Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%
Abstract Background Sudden cardiac death (SCD) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are major contributors to cardiovascular mortality, yet disparities in their outcomes persist across racial and gender groups, influenced by socioeconomic, healthcare, and biological factors. Understanding these differences is essential for addressing inequities in cardiovascular outcomes. Purpose This study uses CDC WONDER data to analyze racial and gender disparities in SCD vs. AMI mortality, identifying high-risk populations. Findings can guide targeted interventions, improve resource allocation, and enhance prevention strategies. Methods Using CDC WONDER data, we calculated AAMRs per 1,000,000 individuals aged 45+ who died from sudden cardiac death (SCD) or acute myocardial infarction (AMI) as the underlying cause (UCD). SCD deaths were identified using ICD-10 codes I46.1, I46.9, I49.9, R96.0, and R96.1, while AMI deaths were classified under I21.0, I21.1, I21.2, I21.3, I21.4, and I21.9. Data were analyzed across ten-year age groups. Joinpoint regression assessed APC and AAPC in mortality trends. Results From 1999 to 2023, AAMRs for SCD and AMI declined overall. SCD AAMR dropped from 286.4 per million in 1999 to 146.6 in 2023, with fluctuations (AAPC: -2.6, 95% CI: -3.7 to -1.5) and the steepest decline from 2010 (198.6) to 2023, despite a temporary rise in 2020-2021. AMI AAMR fell from 2061.2 per million in 1999 to 607.4 in 2023, showing a steady decrease (AAPC: -4.9, 95% CI: -5.7 to -4.1), with the sharpest drop from 2000 to 2010, followed by a slower decline and a brief rise in 2020-2021 before resuming its downward trend. The AAMR increased over the years, with both genders experiencing higher AAMR for AMI compared to SCD. In 2023, the AAMR for AMI was 818.3 in males and 431 in females, whereas for SCD, it was lower, at 178.2 in males and 119.4 in females. Non-Hispanic Black individuals had the highest AAMR in both categories overall, with 252.6 for SCD and 694.8 for AMI recorded in 2023. Similarly, Non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islanders had the lowest AAMR overall, with 64.1 for SCD and 345.3 for AMI recorded in 2023. Conclusion Racial and gender disparities persist in SCD and AMI mortality, with non-Hispanic Black individuals experiencing the highest AAMRs and non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islanders the lowest. While both conditions showed overall declines from 1999 to 2023, AMI mortality remained significantly higher than SCD across all groups. The temporary rise in 2020–2021 suggests external influences on cardiovascular mortality. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to reduce disparities, improve preventive care, and enhance healthcare access for high-risk populations.Illustration Table 1
Abdul et al. (Sat,) reported a other. From 1999-2023, AMI mortality declined from 2061.2 to 607.4 per million (AAPC -4.9%), SCD from 286.4 to 146.6 (AAPC -2.6%), with highest rates in Non-Hispanic Black individuals.