J Diabetes Metab Disord. 2026 Aug 14;25(2):236. doi: 10.1007/s40200-026-02037-9. eCollection 2026 Dec.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, yet its role in cardiac arrest (CA) mortality remains a growing public health concern. This study analyzed disparities in mortality involving CA and obesity by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and geographic region.
METHODS: Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per million in adults (25 years or older) were obtained from CDC WONDER using ICD-10 codes for obesity (E66) and CA (I46). Joinpoint regression estimated Annual Percent Change (APC) and Average APC (AAPC), with significance at p < 0.05.
RESULTS: Between 1999 and 2023, a total of 128,550 deaths involving CA and obesity, with most deaths in medical facilities (58.8%). The AAMR rose from 11.3 in 1999 to 32.5 in 2023 (AAPC: 4.45%, 95% CI: 3.72-5.01, p < 0.001). Men had higher AAMRs than women (24.7 vs. 19.5) and a steeper increase (AAPC: 5.34%, p < 0.001). Older adults exhibited higher AAMRs (45.2) compared to younger adults (7.0). Among racial groups, Non-Hispanic (NH) Blacks had the highest AAMR (38.4 per million), while NH Whites experienced the most significant rise (AAPC: 4.97%, p < 0.001). The West had the highest regional AAMR (29.0), while the Midwest experienced the steepest increase (AAPC: 5.7%, p < 0.001). Rural areas exhibited higher AAMRs than urban regions, both of which were trending upward.
CONCLUSION: Mortality involving CA and obesity has been rising, with significant disparities in older men, NH Blacks and Whites, those from the West, and rural communities. The increasing burden underscores the need for targeted prevention strategies.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-026-02037-9.
PMID:42603911 | PMC:PMC13476207 | DOI:10.1007/s40200-026-02037-9