Recent trends in cardiovascular disease deaths: a state specific perspective

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Cardiovascular Health

Background:

• National decline in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality has slowed.
• State-level trends and specific causes of CVD deaths remain largely unknown.
• Understanding state-specific patterns is crucial for targeted local interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality trends in Minnesota (MN) from 2000-2018.
• To examine these trends by age, sex, CVD type, and location of death.
• To compare state trends with national patterns and inform public health strategies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the CDC Wide-ranging ONline Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) for MN.
• Analyzed trends in CVD mortality rates between 2000-2009 and 2010-2018.
• Stratified analysis by age groups, sex, specific CVD subtypes (CHD, cerebrovascular disease, heart failure), and in-/out-of-hospital deaths.

Main Results:

• CVD mortality in MN declined 2000-2009 but plateaued 2010-2018, matching national trends.
• The younger age group (25-64 years) showed adverse trends with increasing mortality (AAPC: 1.2%) in the latter period.
• Mortality from 'other CVD' increased (AAPC: 1.9%) in 2010-2018, and improvements in death rates slowed for in- and out-of-hospital deaths.

Conclusions:

• Concerning trends in CVD mortality observed in MN, with plateauing or increasing rates for all subtypes in the recent decade.
• Increased CVD mortality in younger populations and worsening trends for 'other CVD' are significant concerns.
• These findings emphasize the urgent need for enhanced CVD prevention, treatment, and ongoing surveillance at state and national levels.