Cerebral Infarction Mortality (CIM) is on the rise in the United States. In this study we explored CIM trends from 1999-2020, using age adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) to pinpoint incongruities between epidemiological groups.

Cerebral Infarction, commonly referred to as an Ischemic Stroke, is an acute medical emergency which manifests due to the obstruction of blood flow to the brain. A blood clot or narrowing of the arteries is often the underlying pathology.

Death Certificates from CDC WONDER (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiological Research) database were analysed from 1999-2020. AAMR per 100,000 people and annual percent change (APC) with 95% confidence interval were determined. Joinpoint Regression Program was used to ascertain trends amongst demographic (race, gender, age, urban/rural) groups.

238,776 mortalities due to Cerebral Infarction were reported between 1999 and 2020. Overall AAMR showed a consistent downward trajectory from 1999-2014 with the most significant decrease occurring between 2003-2006 with an APC of -18.50. However, a considerable increase occurred post 2014, specifically during the 2014-2017 timeframe with an APC of 37.43. Persistently greater mortality rates were discerned in African Americans, the 85+ years old age group and nonmetropolitan populations.

Until recently (2014), deaths due to cerebral infarction were declining in the United States however the latest data indicates a sharp uptick which is concerning. Furthermore, constant disparities amongst demographic groups underline the need for further investigation and the formulation of targeted intervention strategies.