Trends and sociodemographic disparities in the circulatory disease prevalence in the United States: An analysis of the National Health Interview Survey database (2019-2022).

BACKGROUND

Circulatory diseases are a leading cause of mortality in the United States (U.S). This study examined trends and disparities in the prevalence of angina pectoris (AP), coronary heart disease (CHD), myocardial infarction (MI), and hypertension (HTN) among U.S. adults from 2019 to 2022.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) database from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was analyzed using Joinpoint regression analysis to determine annual percentage changes (APCs) and prevalence percentages with 95% confidence intervals. The data was stratified by year, gender, age, race, veteran status, social vulnerability index (SVI), employment status, nativity, census region, and metropolitan statistical area (MSA) status.

RESULTS

Patients aged 75 and older had the highest incidence rates of all circulatory diseases. HTN was most prevalent, remaining stable at around 27% from 2019 to 2022. Males had a higher prevalence than females, remaining stable overall. CHD rates increased from 4.6% in 2019 to 4.9% in 2020, with males again showing higher rates and both genders showing significant increases over time. White individuals had the highest CHD incidence (5.4% in 2022), with the West having the lowest (3.8% in 2022). AP prevalence was stable but higher in males throughout the study period with insignificant changes in either gender. MI prevalence remained stable from 3.1% in 2019 to 3.0% in 2022, with White individuals and the South region demonstrating the highest MI prevalence (3.3% in 2022 for both) respectively.

CONCLUSION

The rising prevalence of certain circulatory diseases requires immediate intervention. Targeted actions should prioritize high-risk groups, including males, older adults, veterans, and the unemployed, to reduce the burden of these diseases and improve cardiovascular health among U.S. adults.