Abstract
BACKGROUND: Asthma and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are major health burdens with potential interconnections. This study analyzed mortality trends and demographic and regional disparities in US adults with coexisting asthma and CVD from 1999 to 2020. METHODS: Using CDC WONDER data, we examined death certificates for individuals aged ≥25 years who died from 1999 to 2020 with both CVD (ICD I00-I99) and asthma (ICD J45-46). Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) and annual percent change (APC) were calculated by year, sex, age, race/ethnicity, region, and urbanization. RESULTS: There were 145,404 deaths involving both asthma and CVD. AAMR rose from 3.5 to 4.6 per 100,000, with a sharp increase from 2018 to 2020 (APC: 28.5; 95% CI: 17.34-35.05). Older adults had the highest AAMR (10.2). Women had higher rates than men (3.5 vs 2.4). Non-Hispanic (NH) Blacks had the highest AAMR (6.1), followed by NH American Indian/Alaska Natives (3.8), NH Asian/Pacific Islanders (3.5), Hispanics (3.0), and NH Whites (2.7). The Western region had the highest AAMR (3.7). Rates were similar across urban and rural areas. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality from coexisting asthma and CVD increased, especially among older adults, women, and NH Black individuals. Targeted public health strategies are needed to address these disparities.