Pulmonary Heart Disease Associated Mortality — China, 2014–2021

INTRODUCTION: Over the latter half of the previous century, pulmonary heart disease (PHD) emerged as a significant public health issue in China. However, the current mortality rate is unknown. Utilizing the Multiple Cause of Death database, the present study aims to investigate the current state and progression of PHD-associated death in China. METHODS: Data from the China National Mortality Surveillance System were used to analyze progression in mortality rates attributable to PHD from 2014 to 2021. To standardize population structure for each year during the investigation period, demographic information from the 2020 census was employed as the reference population. Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) were determined based on sex, urban-rural area, and region. To identify trends in ASMR, a joinpoint regression analysis was executed. RESULTS: The ASMR of PHD exhibited a marked decrease, falling from 61.68 per 100,000 in 2014 to 28.53 per 100,000 in 2021. This downward trend was observable in both genders, all regions, and both urban and rural settings. The greatest ASMR values were documented in the western region. Comparative observations revealed a higher ASMR in rural areas versus urban ones and in males versus females. PHD-associated deaths predominantly occurred among older individuals, particularly those aged 80 and above. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) emerged as the principal underlying cause of death PHD-associated mortalities, accounting for between 87.41% and 93.42% of cases throughout the period 2014–2021. CONCLUSIONS: There was a declining trend in PHD mortality in China from 2014 to 2021, with COPD accounting for a significant proportion of these deaths. Given the high prevalence of COPD and the escalating population aging in China, PHD remains a significant health concern that warrants further attention.