Trends of cardiovascular disease and sepsis related mortality in the United States, 1999 to 2019: A CDC WONDER Database Analysis

Sepsis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are common conditions, and both contribute to mortality. The objective of our study is to explore the contemporary mortality trends associated with CVD and sepsis among patients ≥25 years in the United States (US). We conducted an analysis of death data using CDC WONDER, extracting age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100,000 for mortality with an underlying or contributing diagnosis of both CVD and sepsis. Trends by age, gender, ethnicity and race, census region, and metropolitan status were analyzed. Joinpoint regression calculated the annual percent change (APC) for AAMR with 95% CI. From 1999 to 2019, there were a total of 1,601,794 deaths related to CVD and sepsis. The AAMR related to both CVD and sepsis showed an overall decrease from 1999 to 2019 (1999: 37.9; 95 % CI: 37.6 to 38.1 vs. 2019: 35.4; 95 % CI: 35.2 to 35.7). Men had consistently higher AAMRs compared to women (Men: 41.5; 95 % CI: 41.4 to 41.6 vs. Women: 31.3; 95 % CI: 31.2 to 31.4). Non-Hispanic Black or African American individuals and adults aged > 65 had the highest CVD and sepsis-related AAMRs. Similarly, the AAMRs were highest in the Northeastern region and among residents of metropolitan areas. Though there has been a reduction in CVD and sepsis-related deaths among patients, significant disparities remain across various demographic groups, underscoring the need for continued research. • The overall AAMR for CVD and sepsis decreased from 38.9 in 1999 to 35.4 in 2019, with a notable increase observed from 2012 to 2017. • The AAMR for men (41.6) was consistently higher than that for women (31.4). Both genders showed an overall decline from 1999 to 2019. • Among racial/ethnic groups, the NH Black or African American population (63.8) had the highest AAMR, with an overall decline from 1999 to 2019, while the AAMR for the NH American Indian or Alaska Native population showed an overall rise throughout the study period. • Geographical distribution showed the highest AAMR in the Northeast region, District of Columbia, and metropolitan areas.