Mortality trends and disparities in older U.S. adults with atrial fibrillation and COPD: a 1999–2020 CDC WONDER analysis with forecast to 2030 - Report - MDSpire

Mortality trends and disparities in older U.S. adults with atrial fibrillation and COPD: a 1999–2020 CDC WONDER analysis with forecast to 2030

  • By

  • Xiao-Bin Zheng

  • Bing-Qi Yao

  • Ming Zhang

  • Shu-Xian Hou

  • Hai-Yan Wu

  • June 23, 2026

  • 0 min

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Trends and Disparities in Mortality Among Older Adults with AF and COPD

Overview

This study analyzes mortality trends among U.S. adults aged 65 and older with atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from 1999 to 2020. Findings indicate an increase in age-adjusted mortality rates, with disparities based on sex, race, and geography.

Background

Atrial fibrillation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are prevalent among older adults and contribute to increased mortality risk. This study provides insights into the intersection of these two conditions over two decades.

Data Highlights

YearAAMR (per 100,000)
199927.39
202065.29

Key Findings

  • The age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) increased from 27.39 in 1999 to 65.29 in 2020.
  • The average annual percent change (AAPC) in AAMR was 4.21 (95% CI: 3.75–4.68).
  • Men had a higher AAMR (57.01) compared to women (34.96).
  • Non-Hispanic White individuals had an AAMR 2.8 times higher than Hispanics.
  • Non-metropolitan areas exhibited a higher AAMR than metropolitan areas.
  • Projections indicate the AAMR will reach 92.62 by 2030, particularly among individuals aged ≥85.

Clinical Implications

The increasing mortality rates among older adults with AF and COPD highlight the need for enhanced clinical management strategies. Addressing disparities based on sex, race, and geography may improve outcomes for high-risk populations.

Conclusion

The study reports an increase in mortality associated with coexisting AF and COPD in older adults, with disparities across sex, race, and geography.

Related Resources & Content

  1. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2021 -- Temporal trend and attributable risk factors of cardiovascular disease burden for adults 55 years and older in 204 countries/territories from 1990 to 2021: an analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
  2. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2026 -- Bidirectional association between COPD and AF: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  3. American Journal of Epidemiology, 2021 -- Stagnant Trends: Rising and Flat Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Rates Post-2010 Across US States and Counties
  4. 2024 ESC Guidelines for Management of Atrial Fibrillation: Key Points - American College of Cardiology
  5. GOLD 2026 -- Key Changes in COPD Management
  6. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology — The Prospects of Cardiovascular Disease: A Turning Point or Continued Challenge?
  7. 2024 ESC Guidelines for Management of Atrial Fibrillation: Key Points - American College of Cardiology
  8. https://goldcopd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/KEY-CHANGES-GOLD-2026-10Nov2025.pdf
  9. Frontiers | Bidirectional association between COPD and AF: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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