National trends in aortic aneurysm and dissection related mortality and its association with hypertension: a 21 year CDC WONDER analysis 1999 to 2020

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

11-5-2025

Publication Title

Eur Heart J

Keywords

adult, aged, antihypertensive therapy, aortic aneurysm, Caucasian, conference abstract, diagnosis, epidemiology, female, groups by age, high risk population, Hispanic, human, hypertension, ICD-10, lifestyle modification, male, middle aged, mortality, mortality rate, Pacific Islander, race, risk factor, rural area, United States, urban area, urban rural difference, Vermont, very elderly, young adult

Abstract

Background: Aortic aneurysm and dissection (AAD) are life-threatening emergencies, with hypertension being a major modifiable risk factor. Despite advancements in hypertension management, the impact on AAD mortality remains unclear. Analyzing trends and disparities can improve prevention and treatment. Purpose: To evaluate national trends in hypertension-associated AAD mortality in the United States from 1999 to 2020, assessing demographic, geographic, and age-related variations. Methods: Mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) were analyzed from 1999 to 2020. International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes for AAD-related deaths (I71.0-I71.9) and hypertension-related conditions (I10-I15) as contributing causes were extracted. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 population were calculated. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to determine annual percentage changes (AAPC). Subgroup analyses examined trends across sex, race, geographic region, urban-rural status, and age groups. Results: A total of 53,626 hypertension-associated AAD deaths were recorded over 21 years, with an overall AAMR of 1.16 per 100,000 and a significant decline (AAPC: -2.17, p<0.000001). Males had a higher AAMR (1.49) than females (0.82), but both demonstrated declining trends (AAPC: -2.08 and -2.79, respectively, p<0.000001). Black individuals exhibited the highest AAMR (1.63, AAPC: -2.11, p=0.0004), followed by Asian/Pacific Islanders (AAMR: 1.08, AAPC: -4.25, p<0.000001), White individuals (AAMR: 1.07, AAPC: -2.25, p<0.000001), and Hispanic/ Latino populations (AAMR: 0.76, AAPC: -2.31, p=0.0104). The West had the highest AAMR (1.32, AAPC: -2.39, p<0.000001), while the South had the lowest (1.00, AAPC: -1.71, p=0.0024). Rural areas had a higher AAMR (1.16) than urban areas (1.10), with a slower mortality decline in rural regions (AAPC: -1.54 vs. -2.34, p<0.000001). Older adults (65+ years) had a significantly higher AAMR (4.06) compared to younger adults (25-65 years, AAMR: 0.44), but while mortality declined in older adults (AAPC: -3.70, p<0.000001), it increased in younger adults (AAPC: 1.55, p=0.0320). State-level variations showed the highest AAMR in Vermont (2.3) and the lowest in Virginia (0.7). Conclusion(s): Hypertension-associated AAD mortality declined significantly from 1999 to 2020; however, disparities persist. Males and Black individuals had the highest AAMRs, and younger adults (25-65 years) exhibited a rising mortality trend. Geographic and urban-rural differences highlight the need for targeted healthcare interventions. Early hypertension detection and management are crucial for reducing AAD mortality, particularly among high-risk populations. Public health strategies should prioritize screening, lifestyle modifications, and adherence to antihypertensive therapies to mitigate these disparities and improve outcomes.

Volume

46

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