What question did this study set out to answer?

To analyze trends and disparities in myocardial infarction-related mortality among older adults with hyperlipidemia in the U.S.

January 10, 2026

Trends and Disparities in Myocardial Infarction-Related Mortality in Older Hyperlipidemic Patients in the US Population, 1999–2020

Key Result

Age-adjusted myocardial infarction-related mortality increased from 6.4 in 1999 to 11.9 in 2020, with men having higher rates than women across all age groups.

Key Points

To analyze trends and disparities in myocardial infarction-related mortality among older adults with hyperlipidemia in the U.S.
Analyzed death certificate data from CDC WONDER database (1999–2020)
Utilized ICD-10 codes for myocardial infarction and hyperlipidemia
Calculated age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100,000
Evaluated temporal trends using Joinpoint regression
Overall AAMR increased from 6.4 in 1999 to 11.9 in 2020
Men had higher AAMRs than women (2020: 16 vs 8.8)
Whites had the highest AAMR at 10.0, followed by Blacks at 9.4, and Hispanics at 7.8
Mortality was highest in individuals aged ≥85 years at 21.4 per 100,000
Significant geographic disparities with some states having nearly fourfold higher AAMR than others

Structured PICO

What are the temporal trends and demographic disparities in MI-related mortality among older adults with hyperlipidemia in the US from 1999 to 2020?

Population

90,568 deaths among adults aged ≥65 years with myocardial infarction and hyperlipidemia in the United States (1999–2020).

Outcome

Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100,000 for MI-related mortality with hyperlipidemiahard clinical

MI-related mortality in older US adults with hyperlipidemia has nearly doubled from 1999 to 2020, with significant demographic and geographic disparities highlighting the need for targeted preventive strategies.

Main Result

Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%

Abstract

Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI), yet trends and disparities in MI-related mortality among older adults in the United States are poorly understood. This study aimed to examine temporal trends and demographic disparities in MI-related mortality among adults aged ≥65 years. Death certificate data from the CDC WONDER database (1999–2020) were analyzed using ICD-10 codes for MI (I21–I22) and hyperlipidemia (E78.0–E78.9). Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100,000 were calculated, and temporal trends were evaluated using Joinpoint regression. Among 90,568 MI-HL deaths, men comprised 55%. AAMR increased from 6.4 in 1999 to 11.9 in 2020, with the steepest rise between 1999–2005 (APC 7.40%). Men consistently had higher AAMRs than women (2020: 16 vs 8.8). Whites had the highest overall AAMR (10.0), followed by Blacks (9.4) and Hispanics (7.8). Age-stratified mortality was highest in those ≥85 (21.4), followed by 75–84 (11.6) and 65–74 (6.0). Significant geographic variation existed, with states in the top 90th percentile (Vermont, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Ohio) showing nearly fourfold higher AAMRs than those in the lowest 10th percentile (Nevada, Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia). MI-related mortality with hyperlipidemia shows marked demographic and geographic disparities among older U.S. adults. Men, Whites, the oldest age groups, and residents of certain states and non-metropolitan areas are at greatest risk. Enhanced screening, preventive strategies, and equitable access to care are essential to reduce disparities and improve cardiovascular outcomes.

Bookmark