Search Results (37)

Background: Parkinson’s disease and dementia are major neurodegenerative disorders that substantially contribute to disability, dependency, and mortality worldwide. Although prior CDC WONDER studies have separately evaluated Parkinson’s disease and dementia mortality trends, fewer analyses have examined national mortality patterns in which both conditions are recorded on death certificates simultaneously over extended time periods. Methods: We analyzed U.S. death certificates from 1999 through 2025 using the CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death database, identifying deaths among adults aged ≥45 years in which both Parkinson’s disease (ICD-10 G20) and dementia-related codes (F01, F03, G30, G31) were recorded anywhere on the certificate. This operational definition captures co-recorded diagnoses and does not identify clinically confirmed Parkinson’s disease dementia. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 were standardized to the 2000 U.S. standard population, a method that controls for shifts in population age structure over time and allows valid temporal comparisons independent of absolute population growth. Joinpoint regression was used to quantify trends. Sensitivity analyses excluded 2025 provisional data and the COVID-19 period (1999–2019). Results: A total of 337,721 deaths were identified. Overall AAMR increased from 5.75 (95% CI: 5.60–5.90) in 1999 to 11.15 (95% CI: 10.98–11.32) in 2025 (AAPC: 2.07; p = 0.002). A sharp transient increase occurred in 2020, attributable to pandemic-related factors including disproportionate COVID-19 mortality among older adults with neurodegenerative conditions, care disruptions, and changes in death-certificate coding practices. Following this pandemic-era peak, AAMRs declined significantly through 2025 and should be interpreted cautiously given provisional data. Males (AAPC: 2.14), non-Hispanic White individuals (AAPC: 2.29), the Midwest region (AAPC: 2.65), and non-metropolitan areas carried the highest mortality burden. Mortality was greatest among adults aged ≥85 years. Conclusion: Population-level death rates involving co-recorded Parkinson’s disease and dementia demonstrated significant temporal changes over the study period, with marked demographic and geographic disparities. These findings reflect death-certificate surveillance data and cannot establish clinical co-occurrence, causal relationships, or individual disease risk. Full article

Background/Objectives: Secondary malignant neoplasms of the bone are a major concern for cancer patients, with significant morbidity and mortality despite advancements in cancer care. The current literature reports demographic variability, but population-level trends and survivor-specific risk factors remain poorly characterized for bone metastasis. This study aims to provide a comprehensive temporal analysis of the trends and disparities of secondary malignant neoplasms of the bone. Methods: Deidentified death certificate data from the United States as reported in the CDC WONDER database (1999–2023) were analyzed for secondary malignant bone neoplasms (ICD-10 C79.5). Age-adjusted mortality rates per 100,000 were calculated and stratified by gender, age, and race. Temporal trends were assessed using Joinpoint Regression, yielding APCs, AAPCs, and 95% CIs. Results: Between 1999 and 2023, there were 424,811 deaths in U.S. adults over the age of 25 years related to secondary malignant bone neoplasms. The overall age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) increased from 5.77 (95% CI 5.67 to 5.87) in 1999 to 11.92 (95% CI 11.79 to 12.05) in 2023. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) over this period was 3.28 (95% CI 2.63 to 3.94). From 1999 to 2009, mortality decreased with an annual percentage change (APC) in AAMR of −3.62 (95% CI −4.92 to −2.30), followed by a sharp increase in mortality between 2009 and 2023 with an APC of 8.52 (95% CI 7.83 to 9.19). Certain populations had greater increases in AAMR over the study period. The population aged 85 years and older had the largest increase in mortality from secondary malignant bone neoplasms with an AAPC of 4.77 (95% CI 3.38 to 4.77). Over the study period, Black individuals had an overall AAPC of 1.53 (95% CI 0.11 to 2.97), White individuals had an AAPC of 2.60 (95% CI 1.61 to 3.60), and Asian or Pacific Islanders had an AAPC of 3.74 (95% CI 1.17 to 6.38). Rural areas had overall higher AAMRs compared to urban areas, with an AAPC of 2.27 (95% CI 1.52 to 3.02). Conclusions: Overall, AAMR increased from 1999 to 2023, though there was a period of decreasing AAMR from 1999 to 2009. We suggest that due to increased rates of screening, it is possible that rates of secondary metastases of the bone have been constant over the years, but they were not diagnosed, leading to a false increase in AAMR. Mortality rates were highest in Black individuals in our study, possibly pointing towards discrepancies in cancer screening and treatment between races. Additionally, the AAMR was higher in rural than in urban areas, which we hypothesize may be due to limited access to treatment, such as surgery. Our study was limited by its nature as a database study, but future studies should focus on the prevention of primary malignancies and minimizing risk factors for the development of secondary malignancies. Full article

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the common causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in the United States. Emerging increases in early-onset CRC and persistent disparities remain major public health concerns. Objective: To characterize long-term CRC incidence and mortality trends in the United States, with particular emphasis on identifying demographic groups experiencing rising or plateauing disease burden. Methods: We conducted a population-based ecological study using CRC incidence data from the United States Cancer Statistics database (1999–2022) and mortality data from CDC WONDER (1999–2023). Temporal trends were evaluated using Joinpoint regression to estimate annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC), stratified by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and urbanization level. Results: Overall CRC incidence and mortality declined during the study period (both AAPC approximately −2.08%). However, incidence increased significantly among adults younger than 55 years, particularly those aged 20–24 years. Mortality also increased among younger adults aged 25–44 years and remained elevated among individuals aged 45–54 years. Non-Hispanic Black individuals consistently experienced the highest incidence and mortality rates. Mortality declines plateaued in several older age groups after 2018–2020. Conclusions: Despite overall improvements in CRC burden, increasing incidence and mortality among younger adults and persistent disparities highlight the need for risk-stratified prevention, earlier detection strategies, and tailored therapeutic approaches. Full article

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a major cause of preventable liver-related mortality in the United States despite highly effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Contemporary assessment of mortality trends and disparities is essential for elimination efforts. Methods: Using CDC WONDER multiple cause-of-death data (1999–2023), we identified HCV-related deaths using ICD-10 codes for acute and chronic HCV (B17.1, B18.2) and calculated age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 (2000 US standard). Rates were stratified by sex, race/ethnicity, census region, and 2013 NCHS urban–rural classification. Joinpoint regression quantified temporal inflection points and annual percent changes (APCs). Results: Overall HCV-related AAMR increased from 1.8 (1999) to a peak of 5.0 (2014), then declined to 2.3 (2023), with a marked post-2014 decrease (APC −8.2%). Mortality was consistently higher in males than females (2023 rate ratio 2.57). In 2023, American Indian/Alaska Native individuals had the highest mortality (AAMR 8.7; rate ratio 3.48 vs. non-Hispanic White), followed by non-Hispanic Black individuals (AAMR 6.2; rate ratio 2.48). Mortality remained highest in the West and was higher in non-metropolitan than metropolitan counties (AAMR 2.8 vs. 2.3; rate ratio 1.22), with a slower post-2014 decline in non-metropolitan areas. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that while the DAA era has been associated with a substantial reduction in HCV-related mortality at the national level, this progress has not been uniform across all populations. Persistent excess mortality among Native American and non-Hispanic Black individuals may reflect inequities in the HCV care cascade, including screening, confirmatory testing, linkage to specialty care, insurance-related restrictions, and the high cost of antiviral therapy. These results highlight the need for policies and public health strategies that improve equitable and affordable access to curative HCV treatment. Full article

We evaluated the birth rate of Down syndrome (DS) in the CDC birth certificate online database. From 2016 to 2025, live birth incidence could range greatly (depending on the proportion of unknown cases that are counted as DS+) due to relatively high numbers of unknown/not stated status. The annual live birth incidence of DS in live-born infants using CDC birth certificate data from 2016 to 2025 shows a wide range of potential birth rates as calculated here, due to relatively high numbers of unknown/not stated DS status. Although our findings overlap with published data, future studies are needed to further evaluate the current birth rate of DS in the US. Full article

Background/Objectives: Drowning is a leading preventable cause of unintentional injury death, yet U.S. prevention efforts have largely focused on children. Despite international declines in pediatric drowning mortality, adult trends remain poorly characterized. We examined long-term trends and disparities in unintentional drowning mortality among U.S. adults aged ≥25 years from 1999 to 2024. Methods: Using CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death data, drowning deaths were identified using ICD-10 codes W65–W74, V90, and V92. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 were computed by direct standardization to the 2000 U.S. standard population. Joinpoint regression estimated the annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC). Three sensitivity analyses assessed transport-related code exclusion, pandemic-era restriction, and multiple cause-of-death coding. Results: During 1999–2024, 101,743 unintentional drowning deaths occurred among U.S. adults aged ≥25 years (76,554 males; 25,201 females), with 58.09% in natural water or outdoor settings. The overall AAMR showed a non-significant increase (AAPC: 0.55%, p = 0.054); however, joinpoint analysis identified stable rates through 2013 followed by a significant sustained increase (APC: 1.32%, 95% CI: 0.32–2.32, p = 0.012). The male-to-female rate ratio narrowed significantly from 4.00 (1999) to 3.32 (2024) (ratio of rate ratios: 0.83, p = 0.0006), driven by a sustained female increase (AAPC: 1.27%, p < 0.001). Adults aged 65–85+ showed the steepest rise (AAPC: 1.15%, p < 0.001). Non-Hispanic AI/AN adults had the highest rates (3.47–5.44 per 100,000), and non-metropolitan areas consistently exceeded metropolitan rates. Conclusions: A significant upward trajectory has persisted since 2013, with marked disparities by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and geography. Adult-focused, equity-driven prevention strategies aligned with USNWSAP implementation are needed to address this underrecognized burden. Full article

Meningitis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States despite advances in vaccination, antimicrobial therapy, and critical care. However, long-term national mortality patterns across demographic and geographic subgroups remain incompletely characterized. This study evaluated temporal trends in meningitis-associated mortality among U.S. adults aged ≥25 years from 1999 to 2024 using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) Multiple Cause of Death database. Death certificates listing meningitis as either the underlying cause or a contributing cause of death were identified using ICD-10 codes to capture meningitis-associated mortality. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 population were calculated using the 2000 U.S. standard population. Temporal trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression to estimate annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC). Across the study period, meningitis-associated mortality demonstrated an early decline followed by stabilization and more recent increases in several subgroups. AAMRs decreased significantly from 1999 to 2001 (APC: −14.09%; p = 0.0029) and from 2001 to 2013 (APC: −4.74%; p < 0.000001), followed by a significant increase from 2013 to 2024 (APC: 1.78%; p = 0.0059). Despite these later increases, the overall AAPC across the full study period remained significantly negative (AAPC: −2.73%; p < 0.000001). Earlier analyses using shorter observation windows did not demonstrate a statistically significant overall trend; the significance observed in the present analysis reflects the inclusion of extended mortality data through 2024. Mortality rates were consistently higher among males and adults aged ≥65 years. Non-Hispanic Black individuals experienced increasing mortality after 2013, while Hispanic individuals demonstrated a sustained increase across the entire study period. Regional analyses showed recent increases in the Northeast, South, and West, while non-metropolitan areas did not experience statistically significant improvement through 2020. In summary, meningitis-associated mortality among U.S. adults declined significantly during the early study years but has shown stabilization and recent increases in several demographic and geographic subgroups since approximately 2013. Although overall mortality across the full study period remains lower than baseline levels, these emerging disparities highlight the importance of continued surveillance and targeted public health interventions. Full article

Background: Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a severe complication of liver cirrhosis, marked by rapid renal function decline and poor prognosis. Although clinical predictors of HRS outcomes have been extensively studied, less is known about how demographic factors influence mortality patterns. Methods: This analysis utilized CDC WONDER data to assess U.S. mortality trends for hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) in adults aged ≥25 years from 1999 to 2024. We calculated crude mortality rates (CMR) and age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100,000 and analyzed temporal trends using Joinpoint regression to determine the annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC). Results: From 1999 to 2024, 118,894 HRS-associated deaths were recorded. The overall AAMR decreased significantly from 2.43 in 1999 to 2.12 in 2024, with an AAPC of (AAPC −0.69% [95% CI: −0.90% to −0.51%]). Males consistently exhibited higher AAMRs than females (Males: 2.62 vs. Females: 1.63 in 2024). When stratified by race, the highest AAMR in 2024 was observed among non-Hispanic (NH) American Indian or Alaska Native populations (11.02), followed by Hispanic or Latino (2.58), NH White (2.23), NH Black or African American (1.30), and NH Asian or Pacific Islander populations (0.72). Regionally, the highest mortality was observed in the West, followed by the Midwest, South, and Northeast (2.88, 2.00, 1.92, and 1.53, respectively, in 2024). Rural areas (2.44) consistently exhibited higher AAMRs than urban areas (1.91) throughout the study period. Conclusions: HRS-related mortality has decreased modestly in the U.S over the last 26 years, yet significant inequities remain across population subgroups and regions. Mortality is disproportionately higher among males, NH American Indian or Alaska Native individuals, and residents of rural and western areas, highlighting the continued necessity for focused public health strategies. Full article

Background: Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN) is a significant yet under-monitored cause of U.S. mortality, particularly among the elderly. This study anrackalyzed national trends and demographic disparities in age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) from 1999 to 2020 to identify high-risk populations and inform public health policy. Methods: Using the CDC WONDER database, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 6872 ATIN-related deaths. AAMRs (per 100,000) were stratified by sex, race, and census region. Temporal shifts were quantified using Joinpoint regression to determine annual percentage changes (APC) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The analysis revealed a distinct “V-shaped” mortality trend across the 22-year period. Following an initial decline from 1999 to 2013, AAMRs rose sharply through 2020. Males experienced a slightly steeper recent increase (9.90%) compared to females (9.50%). While Black/African American individuals initially had higher mortality rates, a significant surge in deaths among Non-Hispanic White individuals after 2013 (APC 10.42%) led to a convergence of mortality rates between the two groups by 2020. Geographically, the Midwest (APC 12.08%) and the South saw the most pronounced recent increases, whereas the West showed a sustained upward trend beginning as early as 2008. Conclusions: There has been a concerning reversal in ATIN-related mortality trends in the United States over the last decade. The convergence of racial mortality rates and significant regional variations suggest that shifting healthcare access, environmental factors, or medication exposure patterns (such as polypharmacy) warrant urgent investigation to mitigate this rising public health burden. Full article

Maternal and child health (MCH) disparities remain a critical public health concern in the United States, with the Southern region experiencing some of the nation’s highest maternal mortality rates. Black and Latinx women are disproportionately affected, reflecting persistent structural and systemic inequities. This review examines maternal health disparities among Black and Latinx women in the Southern United States and identifies structural, social, and policy-related contributors to these inequities. A narrative review approach was used to synthesize epidemiological data, policy reports, and peer-reviewed literature published between 2000 and 2025, drawing on national surveillance systems such as CDC WONDER and the National Center for Health Statistics, as well as state-level reports and policy analyses relevant to maternal health in Southern states. Across the region, maternal mortality rates frequently exceeded the national average of 23.2 deaths per 100,000 live births, with several states reporting rates above 38 deaths per 100,000. Structural contributors included limited access to maternity care, rural hospital closures, Medicaid non-expansion, chronic disease burden, and experiences of discrimination within healthcare systems, while social determinants such as poverty, housing instability, language barriers, and immigration-related fears further compounded risks for Black and Latinx women. In the post-Roe context, restrictive reproductive health policies intensified existing inequities. Overall, maternal health disparities among Black and Latinx women in the Southern United States are driven by interconnected structural, social, and policy factors, underscoring the need for coordinated policy reforms, expansion of culturally responsive care models, and targeted investment in Southern communities disproportionately affected by maternal mortality. Full article

Background: Prior SMA mortality studies have shown excess mortality in people with SMA, but the literature lacks data on disparities in SMA-related mortality. This study examined disparities in SMA-related mortality in the United States in the post-treatment era (2018–2023). Methods: This was a population-based study using the CDC Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database. The International Classification of Disease (ICD), 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes, G12.0, G12.1, G12.8, and G12.9, were used to identify SMA. The data were stratified by biological sex, race/ethnicity (Non-Hispanic/NH White, NH Black, Hispanic, Asian) and Census regions (West, Northeast, Midwest, South). The analysis was conducted by calculating rate ratios (RR) of age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR). Results: There were 821 (45.8% female) SMA-related deaths across the study period. Males were associated with higher AAMR than females (RR = 1.189, 95% CI: 1.035 to 1.366). The SMA-AAMR for NH White individuals was the highest compared to Hispanic individuals (RR = 1.808, 95% CI: 1.420 to 2.300), followed by NH Black and Asian individuals. The West carried the highest AAMR compared to the Northeast (RR = 1.581, 95% CI: 1.263 to 1.978), followed by the Midwest and the South. The age at death distribution showed a bimodal pattern, as follows: 5–14 years and 65–74 years. The infant age group (<1 year) was associated with the highest AAMR compared to all other age groups. Conclusion: Our findings showed that SMA-related mortality was highest in infants, NH White individuals, the West, and males. These data may assist future efforts to reduce the burden of SMA. Full article

Background: Congenital anomalies are influenced by genetic and environmental factors. While interventions including folic acid supplementation have reduced neural tube defects, data on modifiable socio-demographic risk factors remain limited. Aim: This study aimed to assess variation in the prevalence of selected congenital anomalies across the United States according to socio-demographic factors. Methods: A population-based analysis was conducted using CDC-WONDER natality data from 2016 to 2023. Included anomalies were anencephaly, spina bifida, cyanotic heart disease, diaphragmatic hernia, omphalocele, gastroschisis, limb reduction, cleft lip/palate, Down syndrome, chromosomal disorders, and hypospadias. Associations with maternal age, BMI, race, tobacco use, diabetes, and fertility treatments were analyzed. Prevalence rates were calculated per 1000 live births. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Joinpoint regression was used to assess annual percent changes (APCs), with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Among 3,482,944 singleton live births in 2023, the overall prevalence of the selected congenital anomalies was 3.3 per 1000. Compared to Caucasian mothers, risk was lower in Asian (RR 0.57; 95% CI: 0.52–0.63) and Black (RR 0.81; 95% CI: 0.76–0.85) infants and higher in American Indian/Alaska Native infants. Significant risk factors included pre-pregnancy diabetes (RR 2.41; 95% CI: 2.16–2.69), maternal age > 45 (RR 2.95; 95% CI: 2.36–3.69), and tobacco use (RR 1.78; 95% CI: 1.64–1.94). A significant decline in prevalence was observed from 2016 to 2023 (APC: −0.6%; 95% CI: −1.1 to −0.2; p = 0.006). Conclusions: Significant disparities and modifiable maternal risk factors were associated with the prevalence of selected congenital anomalies in the U.S. from 2016 to 2023. A modest statistically significant decline in overall prevalence was observed during the study period, supporting the importance of continued national surveillance and targeted preconception and prenatal interventions to reduce risk and address inequities. Full article

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality have declined in the United States over the past two decades, yet disparities persist by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and geography. To characterize population-level survival signals, we examined trends in age-adjusted incidence rates (AAIR), mortality rates (AAMR), and the mortality-to-incidence ratio (AAMIR) from 1999 to 2021, stratified by key subgroups. Methods: This retrospective analysis utilized de-identified data from the CDC WONDER United States Cancer Statistics database, encompassing incident CRC cases (SEER codes 21041–21052) and deaths (ICD-10 codes C18–C20) in adults aged 20 years and older. Age-adjusted rates (per 100,000, 2000 U.S. standard population) and AAMIR were calculated using Stata 17.0. Joinpoint regression identified trends (annual or average annual percent change [APC/AAPC], p < 0.05). Results: Among 3,489,881 cases and 1,225,986 deaths, AAIR decreased from 78.24 (1999) to 50.79 (2021; AAPC: −2.20%, 95% CI: −2.52 to −1.89), AAMR decreased from 29.34 to 17.92 (AAPC: −2.33%, −2.46 to −2.20), and AAMIR from 0.375 to 0.353 (AAPC: −0.08%, −0.47 to 0.30; p = 0.669). Women showed a significant AAMIR decline (AAPC: −0.29%), unlike men (AAPC: 0.07%). Young adults (20–39 years) had rising AAIR (AAPC: 2.42%) and AAMR (0.87%) but improving AAMIR (AAPC: −1.71%). Non-Hispanic Black individuals had the highest AAMIR (0.400 in 2021; AAPC: −0.54%). The Northeast had the most favorable AAMIR trend (AAPC: −0.40%), while the Midwest, South, and West were stable. States like New Jersey and Massachusetts achieved low AAMIR (0.292 and 0.304 in 2021), contrasting with Nebraska and Arizona (0.402 in both). Conclusions: Although colorectal cancer incidence and mortality have declined substantially in the United States from 1999 to 2021, the mortality-to-incidence ratio improved only marginally and remained markedly uneven across subgroups. Targeted interventions—enhancing screening and treatment access for men, racial/ethnic minorities, younger adults, and high-burden regions and states—can promote equitable outcomes. Full article

Background: Aortic stenosis (AS) represents a prevalent valvular condition in older adults, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The objective of the study was to examine trends in mortality related to AS in the United States (U.S.). Methods: The U.S. CDC WONDER dataset was analyzed, extracting age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100,000 and calculating annual percentage change (APC) through Joinpoint regression. The results were stratified to identify temporal, sex-specific, racial/ethnic, and regional differences. Results: From 1999 to 2020, 267,515 deaths among older adults (>65 years old) were attributed to AS, with the AAMR declining from 28.00 to 23.69. Males had a higher AAMR (30.35) compared to females (27.42), though more deaths occurred in females (164,104 vs. 103,411). Non-Hispanic (NH) Whites exhibited the greatest AAMR (31.61), trailed by NH American Indian/Alaska Native individuals (16.62), whereas NH Asians/Pacific Islanders had the least (11.50). Significant state-wise variations were noted, with AAMRs ranging from 60.55 in Oregon to 17.23 in Mississippi, and 19 states depicting a concerning rise over the study duration. Regionally, the Northeast (32.09) had the highest AAMRs, while the South (23.06) had the lowest. Micropolitan (32.28) and noncore (28.43) areas reported higher AAMRs compared to large central metropolitan areas (24.32). Conclusions: While there is a trend towards decreased mortality due to AS in the U.S., significant disparities based on race, sex, and region persist and may be worsening. The underlying causes of these discrepancies require further investigation, and targeted strategies must be developed to address them effectively. Full article

Cardiovascular disease disproportionately affects women in the United States. CVD outcomes are closely tied to a multitude of factors including lifestyle habits and socioeconomic status which create a complex interweb of determinants of health that place certain age and racial groups at higher risk over others. Such inequities highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies to address the unique risks faced by different populations. In this study, a state-wide analysis examining the mortality rates among women aged 35 years or older in Florida from 2018 to 2023 was done in order to identify high risk groups to better inform evidence-based public heath interventions that are tailored to the population’s needs. Mortality rates were extracted from the CDC Wonder Database. Age-adjusted and crude mortality rates, per 100,000 women, were calculated and stratified by ten-year age groups, Hispanic origin, race, and major CVD subtypes based on various ICD-10 codes. From the ICD-10 113 Cause List, “The Diseases of the Heart” were the cause of the majority of the deaths; however, “Other Forms of Chronic Ischemic Heart Diseases” was the leading subtype. Crude rates for the “Ischemic Heart Diseases” decreased 110.9 per 100,000 women in 2018 to 101.5 per 100,000 women in 2023. Yet, the most common cause of CVD-related mortality remains ischemic heart disease. Across the study period, non-Hispanic women experienced more than twice the crude mortality rate of Hispanic women. Racial breakdowns showed that White women had the highest CVD mortality, followed by Black women, who had elevated rates of heart failure and heart attacks in comparison to other minority groups. Asian women had the lowest rates across all cardiovascular subtypes. These findings underscore the persistent age and racial differences in cardiovascular outcomes emphasize the urgent need for culturally informed, community-specific preventative interventions to improve cardiovascular care and reduce mortality within high-risk populations. Full article