Date of Award

January 2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Judith Lichtman

Second Advisor

Yasmmyn Salinas

Abstract

Background: There is a decline in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in the United States (US) butthere are also disparities reported among different racial and ethnic groups in the US. This research highlights a lack of state-specific research on CVD mortality and introduces a study conducted in Connecticut using CVD mortality data from 2011 to 2020. Methods. This study used publicly available and deidentified data from the CDC WONDER to examine CVD mortality trends in Connecticut. Annual deaths, population counts, and age-adjusted mortality rates were reported by year, race, and gender for all cardiovascular disease (CVD) combined, Ischemic heart disease, Hypertensive disease, Cerebrovascular disease, and Other forms of heart diseases. Trends were analyzed by overall population, racial/ethnic groups, and gender for all residents aged 25 and above. Results. The study found that the mortality rates for all CVD decreased from 2011 to 2020. Declines were observed across all racial/ethnic groups and gender. However, deaths related to Hypertensive diseases increased during this time. The study also found that Blacks or African Americans had the highest mortality rates for all CVD combined. Males had higher mortality rates for cardiovascular diseases compared to females, except for Cerebrovascular diseases. Overall, Blacks had a higher number of deaths from cardiovascular diseases compared to Whites, while Asians/Pacific Islanders and Hispanic residents showed better cardiovascular health compared to Whites. Conclusions. This study found that cardiovascular disease mortality rates have decreased in Connecticut from 2011 to 2020, but there has been an increase in deaths due to underlying Hypertensive diseases during the same period. The study also found that racial and gender specific disparities in cardiovascular mortality exist in Connecticut, and highlights the importance of preventing and treating cardiovascular disease, particularly in relation to deaths due to hypertensive diseases. The study further highlights the necessity of continuous surveillance of cardiovascular diseases and the requirement for additional resources and measures to alleviate disparities at both state and national levels. Keywords: Cardiovascular disease CVD mortality, CVD mortality trends, Excess deaths

Comments

This thesis is restricted to Yale network users only. It will be made publicly available on 05/07/2025

Download

Share

COinS