Trends in Cardiac Arrest Among Heart Failure Patients Aged 25 and Older in the United States: Insights from the CDC WONDER Database

Background Cardiac arrest (CA) is a significant cause of mortality in patients with heart failure (HF). Despite improvements in care, disparities in CA-related mortality among HF patients persist. This study seeks to explore demographic patterns and mortality rates. Methods CDC WONDER (1999-2023) data was analyzed to assess CA-related mortality in HF patients aged≥25. Using the Joinpoint regression analysis, we calculated age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100,000 patients and average annual percentage changes (AAPC) to analyze the mortality trends. Results CA is responsible for a staggering 1,139,963 deaths among HF patients. The AAMRs have decreased from 25.3 in 1999 to 20.6 in 2023 (AAPC: -0.88, p-value < 0.01), the decline was most significant from 1999 to 2011 (APC: -2.95, p < 0.01) before a concerning rise from 2018 to 2021 (APC: 5.10, p-value < 0.01). Disparities are evident, with men facing higher AAMRs than women (24.6 vs. 17.6) and Black individuals at the highest risk (AAMR: 28.8) followed by Hispanics (AAMR: 22.8). Regionally, Mississippi reports the highest AAMR at 52.5, contrasting with Maryland’s lowest rate of 4.3. Moreover, rural areas exhibited higher AAMRs than urban settings (20.9 vs. 20.1). Conclusion The rising mortality rates from CA in HF patients—especially among men, Black individuals, and those in rural areas—require our immediate attention. By implementing targeted interventions and enhancing access to healthcare, we can reduce these disparities and improve patient outcomes.