Trends in Mortality Due to Cardiovascular Diseases Among Patients With Parkinson's Disease in the United States: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Background

Parkinson disease (PD) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) present significant health burdens, particularly among older adults. Patients with PD have an elevated risk of CVD-related mortality. Analyzing mortality trends in this population may help guide focused interventions.

Methods

Mortality data were extracted from the CDC WONDER database, using ICD-10 code G20 for PD and I00-I99 for CVD. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100,000 were calculated and trends were examined across variables including gender, year, race, and urbanization, place of death, region, and state. Annual percentage change (APC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was computed using Joinpoint regression.

Results

A total of 138 151 CVD-related deaths were reported among individuals with PD. The AAMR decreased from 23.5 in 1999 to 12.7 in 2020, with a notable decline between 1999 and 2014 (APC: −5.13; 95% CI, −5.44 to −4.86), followed by a modest increase from 2014 to 2020 (APC: 1.37; 95% CI, 0.16–3.05). Males exhibited higher AAMRs compared to females (Male AAMR: 22.6 vs. Female AAMR: 10.4). Non-Hispanic (NH) Whites had the highest AAMR (16.1), followed by Hispanics (11.2), NH Asians (10.2), and NH Blacks (9.7). Nonmetropolitan areas showed a higher AAMR (16.3) compared to metropolitan areas (14.9). State-level analysis indicated Nebraska with the highest AAMR (21.4), while Georgia recorded the lowest (9.9).

Conclusions

CVD-related mortality in PD patients has declined overall, though rates rose slightly from 2014 to 2020. Gender, racial, and geographic disparities highlight the need for targeted strategies to reduce cardiovascular risks in this population.