Mortality From Coexisting Asthma and Cardiovascular Disease Rising
Mortality associated with coexisting asthma and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has increased in the United States over the past two decades, with sharp rises observed in recent years, according to a population-based analysis using CDC WONDER data.
From 1999 to 2020, 145,404 deaths were recorded in individuals aged 25 years and older with both asthma (ICD J45–46) and CVD (ICD I00–I99) listed on their death certificates. The age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) increased from 3.5 to 4.6 per 100,000, with a particularly sharp rise between 2018 and 2020 (annual percent change [APC] 28.5; 95% CI, 17.34–35.05).
Demographic disparities were notable. Older adults had the highest AAMR at 10.2 per 100,000. “Women had higher rates than men (3.5 vs 2.4),” the authors reported. Non-Hispanic (NH) Black individuals experienced the greatest burden, with an AAMR of 6.1, followed by NH American Indian/Alaska Natives (3.8), NH Asian/Pacific Islanders (3.5), Hispanics (3.0), and NH Whites (2.7).
Geographically, the Western region reported the highest mortality rates (3.7 per 100,000), and no significant difference was found between urban and rural areas.
“Mortality from coexisting asthma and CVD increased, especially among older adults, women, and NH Black individuals,” the study concluded. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions that address both respiratory and cardiovascular risk in high-burden populations.
The rise in comortality highlights an urgent call for improved integrated care strategies and health equity efforts. Interdisciplinary approaches focusing on early diagnosis, adherence to treatment, and social determinants of health may help mitigate risks in vulnerable populations.
Reference
Saeed H, Shahnoor S, Arshad MK, et al. Demographic and regional analysis of 22 years of mortality data from coexisting asthma and cardiovascular disease in the United States. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). Published online September 2, 2025. doi:10.1080/08998280.2025.2552613
