Background: Aortic valve disease (AVD) remains a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in postmenopausal women. While transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has improved outcomes, racial disparities in mortality persist, and the COVID-19 pandemic may have further altered care patterns. This study evaluates racial trends in age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) from AVD among women aged 55–84 across four racial groups between 2018 and 2023. Methods: Mortality data were extracted from the CDC WONDER database for women aged 55–84 from 2018–2023. Segmented joinpoint regression was performed to identify temporal inflection points and calculate annual percent change (APC) and AAMR across racial groups: White, Black/African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian. Trends were compared, and statistical significance was assessed at p<0.05. Results: Between 2018 and 2023, 39,781 deaths from aortic valve disease occurred among U.S. women aged 55–84. White women had the highest age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) at 16.15 per 100,000, with a non-significant overall annual percent change (APC) of +0.38%; a slight increase was noted after 2020, followed by a modest decline. Black women had an AAMR of 11.15 and a significant APC of -2.93%, with a transient rise in 2020. American Indian/Alaska Native women showed the most volatility (AAMR 11.08), including a sharp drop in 2019, partial recovery, and decline after 2021 (overall APC -3.09%). Asian women had the lowest AAMR at 6.38, with a modest overall decline (APC -1.89%) and a dip during 2020 followed by gradual recovery. Notable breakpoints occurred around the COVID-19 pandemic years (2019–2021), highlighting racial differences in mortality trajectories. Conclusion: This analysis reveals substantial racial disparities in AVD-related mortality among postmenopausal women. While most groups experienced stable or declining mortality, White women exhibited a concerning upward trend post-pandemic onset. These findings suggest the need for equitable access to valve interventions and targeted surveillance in vulnerable populations. Future research should evaluate underlying structural and healthcare access contributors to these disparities.
Adrejiya et al. (Tue,) studied this question.