More people survive heart attacks but face ongoing cardiac risks – News-Medical

Report on Heart Disease Mortality Trends in the United States (1970–2022) with Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Heart disease remains a critical public health challenge in the United States. A recent study led by Stanford Medicine researchers analyzed nationwide mortality data from 1970 to 2022, revealing significant progress in reducing deaths from heart disease, particularly acute myocardial infarctions (heart attacks). This report highlights these findings with a focus on their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Key Findings on Heart Disease Mortality

Improved Survival Rates and Mortality Decline

1. In 1970, individuals over 65 hospitalized for heart attacks had approximately a 60% chance of survival; by 2022, survival rates exceeded 90%, with even better outcomes for younger patients.
2. The proportion of deaths attributed to heart disease decreased from 41% of all deaths in 1970 to 24% in 2022.
3. Deaths from acute myocardial infarctions fell by nearly 90% during this period.

Shift in Heart Disease Mortality Patterns

• While deaths from ischemic heart disease (blockage of blood flow to the heart) have significantly declined, mortality from non-ischemic heart diseases such as heart failure, hypertensive heart disease, and arrhythmias has increased.
• This shift reflects improved survival from acute events but also highlights emerging challenges related to chronic heart conditions.

Life-Saving Innovations and Public Health Measures

Medical Advances

• Introduction and widespread use of bystander CPR and portable defibrillators in the 1970s.
• Development of coronary care units, cardiac imaging, bypass surgery, and balloon angioplasty.
• Advancements in coronary stenting and anti-platelet therapies during the 1980s and 1990s.
• Implementation of high-intensity statin therapy and novel cholesterol and diabetes treatments in the 21st century.

Public Health Campaigns

• Reduction in tobacco smoking from 40% in 1970 to 14% in 2019, following the 1964 Surgeon General’s report on smoking and health.
• Recognition of heart attacks as medical emergencies requiring rapid intervention, improving timely treatment outcomes.

Alignment with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

These innovations and public health efforts contribute directly to SDG Target 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by one third through prevention and treatment. The decline in ischemic heart disease mortality exemplifies progress toward this goal.

Emerging Challenges and Areas for Improvement

Rise in Non-Ischemic Heart Disease Deaths

• Non-ischemic heart disease now accounts for approximately half of heart disease deaths.
• Common conditions include heart failure, hypertensive heart disease, arrhythmias, and pulmonary-related heart diseases.
• Increased prevalence is partly due to aging population and rising risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and physical inactivity.

Demographic and Socioeconomic Disparities

• Differences in heart disease mortality exist across sex, race, and socioeconomic status.
• Access to healthcare and engagement with care services remain critical factors influencing outcomes.

Future Directions

1. Expand prevention and treatment strategies to address non-ischemic heart diseases.
2. Promote healthy aging to reduce chronic heart conditions, supporting SDG Target 3.4 and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
3. Conduct subgroup analyses to develop tailored interventions addressing disparities.

Conclusion

The substantial reduction in ischemic heart disease mortality over the past five decades represents a major public health success aligned with Sustainable Development Goals. However, the rising burden of chronic non-ischemic heart conditions underscores the need for continued innovation, equitable healthcare access, and comprehensive prevention strategies. Sustained investment in research, healthcare infrastructure, and public health initiatives is essential to further reduce heart disease mortality and promote well-being for all.

Study Details and Funding

• Data Source: National Vital Statistics System, covering 119 million adult deaths (age 25+) from 1970 to 2022.
• Study Publication: King, S. J., et al. (2025). Heart Disease Mortality in the United States, 1970 to 2022. Journal of the American Heart Association. doi.org/10.1161/jaha.124.038644
• Funding: National Institutes of Health, American Heart Association/Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development program, Doris Duke Foundation.
• Collaborating Institutions: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, American Heart Association, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on heart disease mortality, treatment innovations, and prevention, directly relating to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article mentions disparities in heart disease outcomes related to sex, race, and socioeconomic status, highlighting the need to reduce inequalities in healthcare access and outcomes.
3. SDG 2: Zero Hunger (Indirectly)
   • Risk factors such as obesity and diabetes are discussed, which relate to nutrition and health, indirectly connecting to SDG 2 on ending malnutrition and promoting healthy diets.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
   • Target 3.b: Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. SDG 2: Zero Hunger (Indirectly)
   • Target 2.2: By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving targets on stunted and wasted children under 5 years of age, and address the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women and older persons.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Heart Disease Mortality Rates
   • The article provides data on the percentage of deaths attributed to heart disease and specific causes such as acute myocardial infarctions, which can be used as indicators to measure progress toward reducing premature mortality (e.g., deaths per 100,000 population).
2. Survival Rates Post Heart Attack
   • Survival rates for patients over 65 hospitalized for heart attacks (from 60% in 1970 to over 90% today) serve as an indicator of improved treatment and healthcare quality.
3. Prevalence of Risk Factors
   • Prevalence of obesity (40%), diabetes or pre-diabetes (50%), smoking rates (declined from 40% to 14%), hypertension, and physical inactivity are implied indicators to monitor risk factor reduction.
4. Access to Care and Health Inequality Measures
   • Implied indicators include disparities in access to care and mortality rates among different sex, race, and socioeconomic groups.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

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