07 February 2024 | Shoufang Song, Chen Guo, Ruiyun Wu, Hong Zhao, Qiang Li, Jia-hao Dou, Fan-shun Guo and Jin Wei*
This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiovascular mortality in the United States from 2010 to 2023. It uses data from the National Vital Statistics System and the CDC WONDER platform to analyze trends in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, including all-cause mortality, CVD-related mortality, and excess deaths. The study found that CVD mortality increased significantly between 2019 and 2021, with an annual percentage change (APC) of 11.27%, followed by a decline from 2021 to 2023 with an APC of -7.0%. Subgroup analyses revealed that the most pronounced changes occurred in specific demographic groups, including Alaska Native people, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic Black people, as well as in younger age groups and males. Excess deaths remained high among the elderly, males, and certain minority groups, while no excess deaths were observed in the young and middle-aged populations in 2023.
The study also highlights the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on different racial and ethnic groups, with non-Hispanic Black people experiencing the highest mortality rates. The findings suggest that while the initial surge in mortality was largely attributed to the direct effects of the pandemic, the subsequent decline may be due to a combination of factors, including improved healthcare access, vaccination efforts, and policy changes. However, the study emphasizes the need for continued research on cardiovascular healthcare for the elderly and racial disparities, as well as the importance of addressing socioeconomic and demographic factors that contribute to health inequities. The study underscores the importance of understanding the long-term effects of the pandemic on cardiovascular health and the need for targeted interventions to mitigate these effects.This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiovascular mortality in the United States from 2010 to 2023. It uses data from the National Vital Statistics System and the CDC WONDER platform to analyze trends in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, including all-cause mortality, CVD-related mortality, and excess deaths. The study found that CVD mortality increased significantly between 2019 and 2021, with an annual percentage change (APC) of 11.27%, followed by a decline from 2021 to 2023 with an APC of -7.0%. Subgroup analyses revealed that the most pronounced changes occurred in specific demographic groups, including Alaska Native people, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic Black people, as well as in younger age groups and males. Excess deaths remained high among the elderly, males, and certain minority groups, while no excess deaths were observed in the young and middle-aged populations in 2023.
The study also highlights the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on different racial and ethnic groups, with non-Hispanic Black people experiencing the highest mortality rates. The findings suggest that while the initial surge in mortality was largely attributed to the direct effects of the pandemic, the subsequent decline may be due to a combination of factors, including improved healthcare access, vaccination efforts, and policy changes. However, the study emphasizes the need for continued research on cardiovascular healthcare for the elderly and racial disparities, as well as the importance of addressing socioeconomic and demographic factors that contribute to health inequities. The study underscores the importance of understanding the long-term effects of the pandemic on cardiovascular health and the need for targeted interventions to mitigate these effects.