Work

Mortality Trends in Essential Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes Among Older Adults in the United States

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Essential hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus frequently coexist in older adults, increasing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality risks. Despite advancements in care, recent evidence shows that cardiovascular mortality has plateaued, with increased hypertension-related deaths in the U.S. This study aims to analyze mortality trends in older adults (≥65) with both conditions and examine disparities based on demographics and geography. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) for older adults with coexisting hypertension and diabetes significantly increased from 1999 to 2024, with variations by sex, race/ethnicity, region, and urbanization. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis using the CDC WONDER database, identifying deaths from 1999-2024 where essential hypertension (ICD-10 I10) and type 2 diabetes (ICD-10 E11.x) were listed as causes. Mortality rates were calculated per 100,000, and Joinpoint regression analyzed trends. Results: From 1999 to 2024, there were 331,823 eligible deaths (aggregate AAMR 60.3/100,000). The AAMR rose sharply from 10.1 in 1999 to 106.1 in 2021, before slight declines in 2022-2024. Males had higher mortality rates than females and experienced steeper increases. Significant racial/ethnic disparities were observed, with American Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic seniors seeing notable declines post-2021, while rates for White and Black seniors plateaued. Regionally, the West and South showed the highest increases, with rural counties experiencing a greater surge than metropolitan areas. Conclusions: Mortality due to coexisting hypertension and diabetes among U.S. older adults rose dramatically from 1999 to 2021, with significant demographic and regional disparities. A recent plateau in mortality trends suggests potential shifts, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions for high-risk groups to address this dual epidemic in an aging population.

Source: Annals of Middle Eastern Medicine

DOI: 10.24911/amem.15-2437

Authors: Sajan Sawai Suthar, Parshant Dileep Bhimani, Mahnoor Khali, Salih Abdella Yusuf

Institutions: University Hospital Limerick, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Hawassa University

Language: English

Topic: Diabetes, Cardiovascular Risks, and Lipoproteins

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W7129007310

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