Trends in heart failure mortality in the USA 1999 to 2020

Abstract

Abstract Background Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome which is a public health challenge in the US. Despite advancements in HF treatment strategies the mortality reduction has been far from ideal. We aimed to study the trends of HF mortality stratified by race and gender from 1999 to 2020. Methods The CDC WONDER multiple cause of death dataset was used to analyze trends in mean age at death (MAD) and age adjusted mortality rate (AAMR, expressed per 100,000 persons) for patients dying from HF (underlying cause of death) and dying with HF (co-morbid HF) in the USA. Results From 1999 to 2020, the AAMR and MAD for patients dying from HF were 19.3 (Men, Women; 21.3, 17.7) and 83.2 (Men, Women; 85.3, 80.4; p <0.01). The AAMR and MAD for patients dying with HF were 72.4 (Men, Women; 85.8, 63.0) and 81.1 years (Men, Women; 83.2, 78.6; p <0.01). The AAMR and MAD remained stable in both genders between the years 1999 and 2020. The AAMR and MAD among White, Black and other race patients dying with HF were (73.3, 75.1, and 37.7; p<0.01) and (81.4, 74.0 and 79.8; p<0.01). The AAMR and MAD among White, Black and other race patients dying from HF were (20.2, 22.5, and 8; p<0.01) and (84, 76.1 and 85.1; p<0.01). While there was no statistically significant change in AAMR and MAD among persons dying from HF, there was a significant decline in AAMR among persons dying with HF with an AAPC of -0.5(-0.8 to -0.1). Black patients witnessed a statistically significant decline in MAD from 77.8 in 1999 to 74.3 in 2020, MAD remained stable in Whites and Other Races. Conclusion Despite advances in guideline directed medical therapy with proven mortality benefit for management of heart failure, the nationwide HF mortality trend has plateaued. Racial disparities with higher HF related mortality in Black patients continue to exist. Therefore, systemic efforts are needed to optimize the HF outcomes by optimizing the preventive and treatment strategies of HF.