Acute myocardial infarction-related mortality among older adults (≥65 years) with malignancy in the U.S. from 1999 to 2020

Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) in malignancy is a global threat, causing significant mortality and economic burden. They share common risk factors, highlighting the urgency of addressing this critical issue. This study analyzed demographic trends and disparities in mortality rates due to AMI in malignancy among adults aged 65 and older from 1999 to 2020. We used the CDC WONDER database to analyze Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) for AMI in malignancy patients (ICD-10 I21, C00-C97) from 1999 to 2020, stratifying by sex, race, geography, and metropolitan status. We calculated Average Annual Percentage Changes (AAPCs) and Annual Percentage Changes (APCs) per 100,000 with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using Joinpoint regression. Between 1999 and 2020, AMI in malignancy accounted for 172,691 deaths among adults aged ≥65 years, with the majority of deaths occurring in medical facilities (56.9%). The overall AAMR for AMI in malignancy-related deaths decreased from 30.2 in 1999 to 14.2 in 2020, with an AAPC of -3.90 (p < 0.000001). Men showed higher AAMRs than women (28.6 vs. 12.3), with a more pronounced decrease in men (AAPC: -4.22, p < 0.000001) compared to women (AAPC: -3.78, p < 0.000001). Black individuals have the highest AAMR (22.7), followed by Whites (19.3). Arkansas had the highest AAMR (32.3), while Nevada had the lowest (8.1), with the Northeastern region having the highest regional AAMR (20.2), and nonmetropolitan areas had higher AAMRs. This study reveals significant demographic disparities in mortality rates related to AMI in malignant older adults. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions and improved access to care. • Our study presents compelling evidence of an elevated mortality risk associated with acute myocardial infarction in individuals aged 65 years and older who also have concurrent malignancy, encompassing diverse demographic groups in the United States. This alarming trend resulted in 172,691 deaths between 1990 and 2020. • From 1999 to 2015, the age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) experienced a significant decline, with an annual percent change (APC) of -5.23, only to show a slight increase from 2015 to 2020, with an APC of 0.45. • Men exhibited a strikingly higher AAMR of 28.6 compared to women with an AAMR of 12.3. • Our findings also shed light on significant racial disparities, with white individuals facing higher mortality rates and Alaskan Native or American Indian individuals experiencing the lowest mortality rates. • The regional discrepancies were equally concerning, with Arizona recording the highest mortality rates and Nevada reporting the lowest AAMRs.