Understanding Mortality Patterns in Elderly Cancer Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Comprehensive Data Analysis

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Oncology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) poses a significant health risk to older adults with cancer in the U.S.
• This study examines mortality trends and demographic disparities in AF among cancer patients aged 65 and older.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) for AF in cancer patients (aged 65+).
• To identify demographic disparities in AF-related mortality among this population.
• To assess the impact of specific time periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic, on mortality rates.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the CDC WONDER database to extract data from 1999 to 2023.
• Analyzed age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) for AF (ICD-10 I48) in cancer patients (ICD-10 C00-C97).
• Employed Joinpoint regression to calculate Average Annual Percentage Changes (AAPCs) and Annual Percentage Changes (APCs), stratified by sex, race, geography, and metropolitan status.

Main Results:

• From 1999 to 2023, AF in cancer patients caused 421,247 deaths among U.S. adults 65+.
• The overall AAMR increased from 24.1 to 61.1, with a significant overall AAPC of 3.92%.
• Mortality rates surged notably between 2018 and 2021 (APC: 10.93%), with higher rates observed in men, Non-Hispanic Whites, and specific geographic regions.

Conclusions:

• The AAMR for AF in U.S. cancer patients has doubled over two decades, with a pronounced increase during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Significant demographic disparities in mortality exist, necessitating tailored public health strategies.
• Urgent need for targeted interventions and improved healthcare access to mitigate AF-related mortality in this vulnerable population.