Summary: Decline in Heart Failure-Related Cardiac Arrest Mortality, but Disparities Persist

Summary: Decline in Heart Failure-Related Cardiac Arrest Mortality, but Disparities Persist

Reference: The American Journal of cardiology. Articles in Press ,March 09, 2025.

1. Decline in Mortality:

• U.S. patients are significantly less likely to die from heart failure-related cardiac arrest compared to 25 years ago.

• According to a study in the American Journal of Cardiology, the age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) declined from 25.3 per 100,000 adults in 1999 to 20.6 in 2023.

2. Study Scope & Findings:

• Researchers analyzed CDC data (1999–2023) for patients ≥25 years old.

• The largest decline was observed from 1999 to 2011 (-2.95% annual change), followed by a plateau (2011–2018).

• Mortality increased from 2018 to 2021 (COVID-19 impact), then declined again from 2021 to 2023 (-4.05% annual change), suggesting healthcare system recovery.

3. Disparities in Outcomes:

• Gender: Women saw a greater improvement (AAMR: 22.6 → 16.2) than men (AAMR: 29.5 → 26.2).

• Race/Ethnicity:

• Black patients: AAMR 28.8 (highest mortality).

• Hispanic/Latino patients: AAMR 22.8.

• White patients: AAMR 19.5.

• Other racial/ethnic groups: AAMR 18.1.

• Urban vs. Rural:

• Rural areas had higher AAMR (20.9) than urban areas (20.1).

4. Call to Action:

• The study underscores persistent disparities, particularly among men, Black individuals, and rural populations.

• Researchers emphasize the need for targeted interventions and improved healthcare access to reduce mortality rates and address healthcare inequities.