Shifting Patterns of Out-Of-Hospital Mortality and Premature Life Loss in Cardiomyopathies: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

Abstract

Background:

Cardiomyopathies are a major cause of cardiovascular mortality, presenting age-dependent phenotypes ranging from sudden cardiac death (SCD) to progressive heart failure. Despite declining mortality rates, gaps in prevention and access to advanced therapies may manifest as shifts in the place of death and persistent premature mortality.

Objectives:

To evaluate temporal trends in cardiomyopathy-related mortality in Brazil, assess age-related patterns in the place of death, and quantify premature mortality through years of life lost (YLL).

Methods:

This nationwide, population-based ecological study analyzed 369,570 deaths in Brazil (1996–2024) in which cardiomyopathy (ICD-10 I42) was the underlying cause. Temporal trends were assessed using Poisson regression, and associations between age and place of death were evaluated using odds ratios (OR). The YLL were calculated using national life tables.

Results:

Age-adjusted mortality declined by 1.7% annually (p<0.001). Hospital deaths decreased from 75% to 43%, whereas home deaths increased from 20% to 38%, with a significant inflection point around 2011. Public roadway deaths, used as a proxy for SCD, were more frequent among adults aged 20–39 years (4.8%) than among those aged ≥60 years (0.8%; OR 2.88, 95% CI 2.68–3.10). Total YLL reached 6.83 million years. Individuals aged 20–39 years accounted for only 5.5% of deaths but contributed 12.8% of total YLL, averaging 42.9 years lost per death.

Conclusions:

Despite declining mortality, out-of-hospital deaths have become more frequent. Excess YLL among young adults highlights gaps in SCD prevention. Age-tailored strategies are needed to reduce premature mortality.