Abstract
The Role Of Obesity In Pulmonary Hypertension And Right Heart Failure Mortality A 20 Year U.S Analysis Using Cdc Wonder Study
Journal of cardiac failure, Vol.32(1), pp.217-218
01/2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2025.11.112
Abstract
Background
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) and right heart failure (RHF) significantly contribute to cardiovascular mortality. Obesity is a known risk factor, yet its impact on long-term mortality trends remains underexplored. This study examines the influence of obesity on PH and RHF mortality trends in the U.S. from 1999 to 2020.
Methods
Using CDC WONDER data, we analyzed mortality rates where PH and RHF were the underlying causes, with obesity as a contributing factor. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 individuals were calculated and stratified by age, race, region, and place of death.
Results
Among non-obese individuals, PH and RHF deaths increased from 58,523 (1999) to a peak of 95,399 (2019) before slightly declining in 2020. AAMR ranged from 37.00 (2009) to 45.60 (2019). In contrast, obesity-related deaths totaled 15,288, with AAMR rising from 0.22 (1999) to 0.67 (2020). The proportion of obesity-linked deaths grew from 2.40% (2000) to 9.29% (2020). Deaths among obese individuals surged, especially in younger age groups. The 35-44 age group doubled from 37 (2016) to 75 (2020), and deaths in the 45-54 group nearly doubled from 81 (2019) to 149 (2020). Regional trends showed the Midwest and South had the highest AAMRs, with obesity-related mortality rising from 0.22 to 0.51 (Midwest) and 0.19 to 0.41 (South). Racial disparities persisted. Non-obese Black individuals had the highest AAMR (47.1 in 1999, declining to the low 40s), while Asian individuals had the lowest (17.9 in 1999 to 11.4 in 2007). Obesity-related mortality increased across all races, with the highest AAMR increase in Black individuals (0.39 to 0.91) and Whites (0.19 to 0.43). Inpatient deaths among obese individuals rose from 136 (1999) to 349 (2020), with hospital deaths increasing from 1.3% to 3.4%, home deaths from 0.7% to 3.5%, and nursing home deaths from 0.5% to 1.1%. Among non-obese individuals, home deaths tripled from 11,090 (1999) to 32,088 (2020), especially after 2015.
Conclusion
Obesity-related PH and RHF mortality has surged since 2013, accelerating in 2020. While non-obese individuals still have higher absolute deaths, the rapid rise in obesity-related cases highlights a growing public health concern. Early screening, weight management, and cardiovascular risk reduction are crucial, especially in high-risk areas. With increasing home-based care, healthcare systems must adapt to support this vulnerable population.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The Role Of Obesity In Pulmonary Hypertension And Right Heart Failure Mortality A 20 Year U.S Analysis Using Cdc Wonder Study
- Creators
- Muhammad Usman Haider - Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical CenterZaraq Khan - Vincennes UniversityHasan Ilyas - Delray Medical CenterIshtiaq Ahmad - Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical CenterSaniya Ishtiaq - Rawalpindi Medical UniversityMaryam Tariq - Punjab Medical CollegeMUHAMMAD Uzair - Liaquat University of Medical & Health SciencesZaryab Bacha - Khyber Medical UniversityMian Zahid Jan Kakakhel - Khyber Medical CollegeAbdullah Afridi - Khyber Medical CollegeVyom Patel - Vincennes University
- Resource Type
- Abstract
- Publication Details
- Journal of cardiac failure, Vol.32(1), pp.217-218
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.cardfail.2025.11.112
- ISSN
- 1071-9164
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/2026
- Academic Unit
- Internal Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9985129577002771
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