National Mortality Trends Associated with Anomalous Aortic Origin of Coronary Artery in the United States: A CDC

Ahmed Kamal Siddiqi1, Kumail Mustafa Ali2, Syeda Ilsa Aaqil2

  • 1From the Division of Cardiothoracic Imaging, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.

Cardiology in Review
|July 10, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) mortality declined overall but remains high in men and Black individuals. Recent increases highlight the need for early detection and intervention for this rare congenital heart defect.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Congenital Heart Disease Epidemiology
  • Public Health Surveillance

Background:

  • Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) is a rare congenital anomaly with limited mortality data.
  • Understanding AAOCA-related mortality trends and disparities is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize temporal trends and demographic disparities in AAOCA-related mortality in the United States from 1999 to 2023.
  • To identify specific populations disproportionately affected by AAOCA mortality.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the CDC Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) database for multiple-cause-of-death data.
  • Analyzed age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) stratified by year, sex, race, region, and urbanization.
  • Employed Joinpoint regression to compute annual percent changes in mortality rates.

Main Results:

  • Overall AAOCA mortality showed a significant decline by 2020, followed by a recent increase.
  • Males consistently exhibited higher AAMRs than females.
  • Non-Hispanic Blacks had the highest AAMRs, followed by Non-Hispanic Whites and Hispanics.
  • Mortality declined in younger age groups (<44 years) but plateaued in older adults (>45 years).

Conclusions:

  • Despite an overall decline, AAOCA mortality remains a concern, particularly for men, Non-Hispanic Blacks, and residents of the Midwest.
  • The recent rebound in mortality emphasizes the critical need for enhanced early detection, risk stratification, and surveillance strategies.
  • Timely interventions are essential to mitigate the impact of AAOCA on public health.

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