CVD Mortality Disparities with Risk Factor Associations Across U.S. Counties

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Environmental Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of death with persistent geographic disparities.
• Understanding localized CVD mortality variations is crucial for effective disease and healthcare management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate associations between CVD mortality and biological, environmental, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors across U.S. counties.
• To identify key drivers of CVD mortality disparities for targeted interventions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized correlation, geospatial visualization, stepwise multiple regression, and machine learning models.
• Analyzed comprehensive datasets across all U.S. counties.

Main Results:

• Significant CVD mortality disparities observed across race, age, sex, and region, with higher rates in the southeastern U.S.
• Key risk factors identified include COPD, smoking, PM2.5 exposure, and medication non-adherence.
• Protective factors include higher income, physical activity, and cardiac rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

• Geospatial analysis reveals strong links between risk factors and CVD mortality disparities.
• Data-driven strategies focusing on air quality, tobacco control, social inequities, and chronic disease management are essential to reduce CVD burden and promote health equity.