Abstract Body (Do not enter title and authors here): Abstract
Background: Thromboembolic events in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients represent a significant health concern among older adults in the United States. This study investigates trends and demographic disparities in mortality rates due to thromboembolic events in AF patients aged 65 and older from 1999 to 2020.
Methods: Utilizing the CDC WONDER database from 1999-2020, this retrospective analysis focused on ICD code I48 for AF and related stroke codes (I26, I63, I74, and I82). Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 persons were calculated, and trends were assessed using Average Annual Percentage Change (AAPC) and Annual Percent Change (APC). Data were stratified by year, sex, race/ethnicity, and geographical regions.
Results: Between 1999 and 2020, thromboembolic events in AF accounted for 422,525 deaths among adults aged 65+ in the U.S., primarily occurring in medical facilities (45.0%). The overall AAMR for thromboembolic events in AF-related deaths increased from 47.3 in 1999 to 49.1 in 2020, with an AAPC of -0.15 (95% CI: -0.37 to 0.07, p = 0.169). A significant decline occurred from 1999 to 2006 (APC: -1.45; 95% CI: -3.22 to -0.63, p < 0.000001), followed by a mild rise from 2006 to 2020 (APC: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.88, p = 0.013). Older women exhibited higher AAMRs compared to older men (women: 46.4; men: 43.5). Among racial/ethnic groups, White patients had the highest AAMRs (48.7), followed by Black population (33.5), American Indians (30.1), Asians (28.8), and Hispanics (27.3). All racial groups saw significant increases in AAMRs except Asian population, who experienced a slight decrease. The highest AAPC was observed in Blacks (1.46; 95% CI: 0.94 to 1.84, p < 0.000001). AAMRs varied by state, ranging from 29.2 in Nevada to 83.9 in Vermont. The Western region had the highest average AAMR (52.0). Nonmetropolitan areas had higher AAMRs than metropolitan areas (51.6 vs. 44.4).
Conclusion: This analysis reveals stable yet slightly increasing mortality rates for thromboembolic events in AF among older adults in the U.S. over the past two decades, highlighting ongoing public health concerns. Addressing disparities and improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations are crucial to reducing these mortality rates and improving health outcomes.