Mortality Trends in Heart Disease in Mississippi, 2010-2021

Abstract

Background Due to the lack of studies examining heart disease mortality trends and its implications on health in populations significantly affected by heart disease, this study aimed to address the gap in research and to identify the magnitude and the impact of heart disease mortality by exploring trends in heart disease mortality among Mississippians from 2010 to 2021. Methods The study uses data from the Mississippi Statistically Automated Health Resource System, which is an online database with data collected from vital statistics. Standard Error for the data was calculated using SAS. Overall and age adjusted mortality rates were calculated by gender, race, and age. Joinpoint regression models were used to calculate Annual Percentage Change (APC) and Average Annual Percentage Change (AAPC) as an indicator of trends. The Joinpoint regression models were generated using independent and dependent variables, and standard error for gender, race, and age. Results The overall age-adjusted mortality rate increased from 251.4 deaths per 100,000 in 2010 to 255.3 deaths per 100,000 in 2021 (1.5% increase). Comparisons between genders reveal an upward trend of heart disease mortality (AAPC, 0.71%- Males and AAPC, 0.08%- Females), and an upward trend of heart disease mortality among races (AAPC, 0.43%-blacks, AAPC, 0.38%- whites, AAPC, 3.68% -other). However, there was a declining trend in adults 65 years and older (AAPC, -0.16%). Conclusion This study identified an overall increase in heart disease mortality. However, trends varied by gender, race, and age. Based on study findings, Mississippi needs more initiatives aimed towards reducing heart disease mortality, specifically targeting blacks, males, and individuals under 65 years of age. This finding also demonstrates the effectiveness of other initiatives, within the state, such as the American Heart Association’s Go Red Campaign for women but reveals the need for more focus on the most at-risk groups identified within the study.