Unmasking Arrhythmia Mortality: A 25-Year Analysis of Trends and Disparities in the United States (1999–2023)

Background

Arrhythmias are a significant cause of cardiovascular mortality in the U.S. This study examines trends in arrhythmia-related mortality from 1999 to 2023, focusing on gender, racial, regional disparities, and specific arrhythmic conditions.

Objective

To analyze trends and disparities in arrhythmia-related mortality among U.S. adults aged ≥ 35 years from 1999 to 2023, with a focus on the impact of sex, race, geographic location, and urbanization.

Methods

We analyzed mortality data from the CDC WONDER database, focusing on deaths where arrhythmias were a contributing cause. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) were calculated and stratified by sex, race/ethnicity, state, and region. The annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) were estimated using Joinpoint regression.

Results

A total of 5,050,271 arrhythmia-related deaths were recorded, with the overall AAMR increasing from 111.4 in 1999 to 137.3 in 2023. Mortality rates declined significantly from 1999 to 2009 (APC: −1.04%; p = 0.003) but rose sharply from 2009 to 2018 (APC: 1.69%; p = 0.003), peaking in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic (APC: 8.63%; p < 0.001). A subsequent decline was observed from 2021 to 2023 (APC: −3.91%; p = 0.044). Males consistently exhibited higher AAMRs than females (137.2 vs. 95.3), as did non-Hispanic White individuals compared to other racial groups. Geographic disparities revealed higher mortality rates in Nonmetropolitan areas and the Midwest, with the highest AAMR observed in Oregon and the lowest in Hawaii.

Conclusion

Despite an overall decline in arrhythmia-related mortality, recent increases, especially in West Virginia and among certain racial groups, highlight the need for targeted public health interventions.