COVID-Related Cardiac Deaths Spiked Significantly Post-Pandemic
Massachusetts data reveals lasting increase in cardiovascular deaths, particularly at home.
Topline:
A recent study highlights a substantial increase in cardiac deaths during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing a notable shift from hospital deaths to at-home fatalities.
Study Details:
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School examined state death records from January 2014 to July 2024, specifically analyzing cardiac-related mortality trends amid and following the COVID-19 pandemic. The study focused on understanding why cardiac deaths remained persistently elevated, despite reports indicating reduced hospitalizations for cardiac emergencies during this period.
Methodology:
The research team utilized Massachusetts state death certificates to track cardiac mortality rates. Using U.S. Census data, they established expected monthly cardiac death rates, adjusting for age and sex. The study population comprised 127,746 individuals with a mean age of 77 years, of whom nearly half were women.
Key Findings:
Cardiac deaths exceeded expectations by 16% in 2020, 17% in 2021 and 2022, and 6% in 2023.
Deaths at home increased significantly more than hospital deaths.
These excess deaths likely reflect reduced access or use of healthcare services rather than a true decrease in cardiac events.
Implications for Practice:
The findings underline the need for healthcare systems to improve resilience, particularly during public health crises.
For patients, understanding the risks of avoiding essential cardiac care even during pandemics is critical. Healthcare providers should proactively ensure accessibility and communicate clearly about the safety measures in place to prevent indirect health impacts.