Rising trends in mortality due to cocaine use and cardiovascular diseases in the United States: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND

Cocaine use and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related mortality trends in the U.S. are underreported. Using the CDC's Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database, we analyzed the relationship between cocaine use and CVD-related deaths.

METHODS

We analyzed death certificates from the Multiple Cause of Death dataset to identify CVD-related deaths involving cocaine use. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 1 000 000 and annual percentage changes (APCs) were calculated using Joinpoint Regression.

RESULTS

From 1999 to 2022, 82 944 deaths were linked to cocaine use and CVDs. AAMRs rose from 9.6 in 1999 to 32 in 2022. Mortality trends varied by demographics and regions. Males and females showed early increases (1999-2006), declines (2006-2012), and sharp rises (2012-2022), with APCs of 11.8% and 12.8%, respectively. Non-Hispanic Black individuals exhibited consistently higher rates than non-Hispanic Whites, though both groups experienced sharp increases starting in 2014 (APCs: 12.5 and 12.7%). Geographic trends revealed early 2000s increases, mid-2000s declines, and rapid rises beginning in the 2010s. The Northeast and South had notable APCs of 13.5 and 12.6% (2013-2022). Rural areas initially showed steeper increases than urban areas but displayed steady upward trends since 2011 (APC: 9.5%). Age-wise, older adults experienced a particularly sharp rise from 2012 to 2022 (APC: 15.0%).

CONCLUSION

Cocaine use and CVD-related mortality rose significantly from 1999 to 2022, with pronounced increases among men, non-Hispanic Black individuals, older adults, urban residents, and those in the South. These findings highlight a growing public health crisis.