CLINICAL RESEARCH
Trends of cardiovascular disease-related mortality in individuals with intellectual disability and developmental disorders (1999–2023): a CDC WONDER Database Analysis
1
Department of Medicine and Surgery, Karachi Institute of Medical Sciences, KIMS, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
2
Rochester General Hospital, New York, United States
3
Karachi Medical and Dental College, KMDC, Karachi, Pakistan
4
Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
5
Foundation University Medical College, FUMC, Islamabad, Pakistan
6
Kabul University of Medical Sciences “Abu Ali Ibn Sina”, Kabul, Afghanistan
Submission date: 2025-09-20
Final revision date: 2026-01-02
Acceptance date: 2026-01-04
Publication date: 2026-06-26
Corresponding author
Arch Med Sci Atheroscler Dis 2026;11(1):102-110
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are subjected to significant health disparities, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study examines national trends in CVD-related mortality among individuals with IDD in the United States from 1999 to 2023.
Material and methods:
Records of both IDD- and CVD-related deaths were retrospectively analysed using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database. Crude and age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 population and annual percent changes (APCs) in age-adjusted mortality rate were determined and measured across different demographics in the U.S.
Results:
Between 1999 and 2023, a total of 26,463 CVD deaths occurred among individuals with IDD in the U.S., with higher mortality in males (55.6%) and non-Hispanic Whites (77.2%). Most deaths were in urban areas (73.9%) and the South (33.3%), primarily among those aged ≥ 55 years. The overall AAMR declined from 0.419 to 0.221 per 100,000, with the sharpest drop from 2021 to 2023 (APC: –13.04%). Females saw a greater decline (APC: –3.22%) than males. Significant reductions were observed across racial/ethnic groups, and while rural areas had higher AAMRs, only urban areas showed significant improvement (APC: –2.58%). State-level AAMRs ranged from 0.027 (Nevada) to 0.882 (North Dakota).
Conclusions:
Despite overall declines in cardiovascular mortality among individuals with IDD, persistent disparities by sex, race, and geography highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies.
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are subjected to significant health disparities, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study examines national trends in CVD-related mortality among individuals with IDD in the United States from 1999 to 2023.
Material and methods:
Records of both IDD- and CVD-related deaths were retrospectively analysed using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database. Crude and age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 population and annual percent changes (APCs) in age-adjusted mortality rate were determined and measured across different demographics in the U.S.
Results:
Between 1999 and 2023, a total of 26,463 CVD deaths occurred among individuals with IDD in the U.S., with higher mortality in males (55.6%) and non-Hispanic Whites (77.2%). Most deaths were in urban areas (73.9%) and the South (33.3%), primarily among those aged ≥ 55 years. The overall AAMR declined from 0.419 to 0.221 per 100,000, with the sharpest drop from 2021 to 2023 (APC: –13.04%). Females saw a greater decline (APC: –3.22%) than males. Significant reductions were observed across racial/ethnic groups, and while rural areas had higher AAMRs, only urban areas showed significant improvement (APC: –2.58%). State-level AAMRs ranged from 0.027 (Nevada) to 0.882 (North Dakota).
Conclusions:
Despite overall declines in cardiovascular mortality among individuals with IDD, persistent disparities by sex, race, and geography highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies.
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