Chronic health conditions – such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, lung disease, cancer, depression, and dementia – are leading causes of death for adults in the United States. However, the association of these conditions with mortality differs by race and ethnicity, according to a new study led by researchers at the Yale School of Medicine.
In an analysis of over 10,000 patients included in the Health and Retirement Study from 1998 to 2020, the authors found long-term chronic conditions accounted for between 58 and 74 percent of mortality among Black, Hispanic, and White adults included in the study. However, the specific conditions leading to mortality for these participants varied by race. Heart disease, cancer, hypertension, and pulmonary conditions were the leading causes of death for White adults, while the leading causes of mortality for Black and Hispanic adults were hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and dementia.
Based on these findings, the authors call for future efforts focused on advancing access to high-quality, patient-centered care that improves chronic disease management for diverse older adults.
The study also included authors from the Oregon Health & Science University, Portland State University, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
