New research reveals that fatalities due to ischemic heart disease linked to obesity have almost tripled in the United States over the past twenty years. The statistic is especially alarming for men, whose death rates more than tripled within the same timeframe. The study identified that Black individuals, middle-aged men, and residents of the Midwest and rural areas had the highest mortality rates in 2020.
Ischemic heart disease arises when the arteries narrow, limiting blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle, which can lead to a heart attack. “Obesity significantly increases the risk of ischemic heart disease, and we are now seeing a steep rise in this risk corresponding with the growing obesity rates,” stated Dr. Aleenah Mohsin, lead researcher and postdoctoral fellow at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. She noted that obesity also exacerbates other major heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, and sleep issues.
The findings are scheduled to be presented during the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in Chicago. However, it is important to note that these results are considered preliminary until they undergo publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The research involved analyzing age-adjusted death data from 226,267 cases linked to obesity-related ischemic heart disease, with data compiled from the CDC’s WONDER database spanning from 1999 to 2020. Overall, the mortality associated with heart disease due to obesity increased by approximately 180%.
When dissecting the data by demographics, researchers discovered that for all male populations, the death rate climbed from 2.1 per 100,000 in 1999 to 7.2 in 2020, representing a 243% rise. In the 55-64 age category for men, deaths increased from 5.5 per 100,000 in 1999 to 14.6 in 2020—signifying a 165% escalation. Women saw their rates elevate from 1.6 per 100,000 in 1999 to 3.7 in 2020, reflecting a 131% increase. Among racial groups, Black adults reported the highest mortality rate at 3.93 per 100,000 in 2020.
Additionally, the research pointed to the Midwest, encompassing states like Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, as having the most elevated obesity-related death rate at 3.3 per 100,000 in 2020. Notably, non-metropolitan regions showed higher death rates compared to urban areas—4 deaths per 100,000 versus 2.9 respectively. Dr. Mohsin emphasized that while an increase in obesity-related ischemic heart disease deaths was anticipated, the extent of the rise, particularly among middle-aged men, was unexpected.
“The disparities regarding race, especially with Black individuals showing higher death rates, are particularly concerning and suggest that social and environmental factors could be influential,” Dr. Mohsin added. She indicated that understanding these issues is essential for developing more effective public health measures. The study’s limitations include its failure to account for non-fatal heart disease cases, potentially leading to an underestimation of obesity’s true impact. Furthermore, the CDC WONDER database lacks data on factors such as income, education, and healthcare access.
Dr. Sadiya S. Khan pointed out that the increase in mortality due to obesity-related ischemic heart disease may also be attributed to heightened awareness. “It’s possible that there’s now a greater recognition of obesity as a risk factor, leading to improved documentation on death certificates related to obesity,” said Dr. Khan, an associate professor of cardiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, who did not participate in the study. “What remains crucial is our recognition of the need for better identification, management, and treatment of obesity-related risks.”
Dr. Mohsin urged individuals, particularly those categorized as high-risk, to implement strategies for weight management and heart disease prevention. “Adopting a healthier lifestyle, which includes nutritious eating, regular exercise, and collaborating with healthcare professionals to monitor heart health, is vital.”