CVD Risk, Adverse Hospital Outcomes Are Higher in Young, Black Adults

Young Black adults are at a higher risk of heart disease and adverse hospital outcomes, according to the results of a recent study presented at the American Heart Association’s 2021 Scientific Sessions.

To better understand the trends in risk factors and health outcomes in this patient population, the researchers examined hospital inpatient records from a 2007 cohort and a 2017 cohort. Included was data on more than 2,900,000 Black adults aged 18 to 44 years in the United States.

The results indicated an approximate 20% increase in the risk of major adverse cardiac events from 2007 to 2017, as well as a 30% increased risk of myocardial infarction and heart rhythm disturbances and a 90% increased risk of thrombosis in the heart. Furthermore, a 150% increased risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, a 200% increased risk of cardiogenic shock, and a 50% increased risk of stroke were observed in this patient population.

When compared with the 2007 cohort, the 2017 cohort was younger, included more men, and had higher rates of nonelective/emergency hospital admissions. Patients in the 2017 cohort were 3 times more likely to have type 2 diabetes with chronic complications, were more than 2 times more likely to have obesity, and were 2 times more likely to be a tobacco smoker. In-hospital outcomes worsened over the 10-year study period.

“Young, Black adults should be encouraged to have regular primary care visits and get annual wellness checkups so [that] any health abnormalities may be noticed at earlier stages, before there are serious health consequences such as a heart attack or stroke,” study author Ankit Vyas, MBBS, MD, concluded. “Young people must also be aware of factors that can cause heart disease and understand that heart disease can lead to disability and premature death. Prevention is an important first step.”

—Leigh Precopio

Reference:

Young, Black adults had a higher risk of heart disease, worse hospital outcomes. News release. American Heart Association; November 8, 2021. Accessed November 8, 2021. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/young-black-adults-had-a-higher-risk-of-heart-disease-worse-hospital-outcomes