The Midwest Has the Highest Rate of Heart Failure, Obesity-Related Mortality

A study presented at ACC.25 shows the geographic disparities that exist as they pertain to heart failure (HF) mortality and its association with obesity.

Researchers analyzed data on HF-related deaths in adults aged 25 and older in the US who were stratified according to geographic regions (Northeast, Midwest, South, West). They also calculated age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) and average annual percent changes (AAPCs).

The findings showed that between 1999 and 2020, HF resulted in 1,246,884 deaths in the Northeast, 1,699,254 in the Midwest, 2,462,055 in the South, and 1,347,507 in the West. The researchers observed that deaths related to HF with obesity (or HF-obesity deaths) were most prevalent in the South (37,514), with the highest HF AAMR observed in the Midwest (154.5).

“Geographic disparities in HF mortality persist, with the Midwest showing the highest rates. Despite declines in HF mortality, rising HF-obesity mortality presents a growing challenge, especially in the Midwest and South,” the researchers concluded.

Cheema A, et al. Geographical disparities in mortality from heart failure versus heart failure with obesity across U.S. Census regions (1999-2020): a CDC Wonder database analysis. Presented at: American College of Cardiology 2025; March 29-31, 2025; Chicago, IL.