Rise in Mortality Rates Linked to Heart Disease and Diabetes Among Less Educated Americans

Recent research reveals a troubling spike in mortality rates among Americans lacking a college degree, primarily driven by heart disease and diabetes. A study conducted by Boston University School of Public Health, in collaboration with the University of Helsinki and the University of Minnesota, indicates that in 2023, approximately 525,000 more deaths occurred in this demographic than anticipated based on pre-2010 mortality trends.

More than 90% of these excess deaths were among individuals without a bachelor's degree, highlighting the significant impact of educational attainment on health outcomes. The study found that between 2011 and 2023, mortality rates for those without a college degree increased by 26%, compared to just an 8% rise for those who had graduated from college. This stark contrast underscores the escalating health crisis faced by less educated Americans.

According to Dr. Eugenio Paglino, the lead author of the study, while the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn attention to declining life expectancies, the data suggests that the rise in excess deaths predates the pandemic. The pandemic exacerbated existing trends, peaking in 2021, but even as COVID-19 deaths decreased in 2023, overall mortality rates remained significantly elevated compared to the pre-pandemic era.

The findings emphasize the urgent need to address chronic conditions and cardiometabolic health across the nation, particularly for those with lower educational backgrounds. Dr. Andrew Stokes, a senior author of the study, pointed out that factors such as rural living, limited access to nutritious food, and precarious job markets contribute to health disparities.

The researchers examined over 47 million deaths among adults aged 35 and older from 2006 to 2023 and categorized the time frame into pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods. Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, remain leading causes of mortality, significantly affecting those with lower educational qualifications.

In addition to heart disease, diabetes was identified as a major contributor to excess deaths among adults without a college degree. The increase in diabetes cases can be attributed to various factors, including the widespread consumption of unhealthy foods, often marketed aggressively, and a lack of access to affordable, nutritious options.

Another concerning trend highlighted by the study is the prevalence of drug overdoses, which significantly impacted men without a college education. This issue reflects a broader crisis characterized by prescription drug reliance that has transitioned to opioid use and overdoses.

Dr. Maria Glymour, an epidemiology expert, emphasized the need for a deeper understanding of the social determinants affecting health outcomes for less educated Americans. The mortality data suggests a need to explore the underlying causes of health inequities.

Despite the alarming statistics, there were some positive trends noted. Among women with a college degree, cancer-related deaths and fatalities from external causes have decreased compared to earlier years. Dr. Elizabeth Wrigley-Field, a co-author, remarked that maintaining prior progress could have prevented a significant number of deaths, particularly among those without a higher education.

The study serves as a call to action for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and communities to address the health disparities affecting less educated Americans. By focusing on the structural factors that contribute to these disparities, there is potential to improve health outcomes and reduce mortality rates in this vulnerable population.