Utility of the social vulnerability index to risk stratify atrial fibrillation mortality outcomes

Abstract

Background: Multiple methods of quantifying social determinants of health exist, such as the social vulnerability index (SVI). We assess the impact of the SVI on atrial fibrillation (AF)-related cardiovascular disease mortality. Methods: CDC databases were used to obtain mortality and SVI information. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) were compared among all US counties, aggregated by SVI quartiles. Results: AAMR was not increased in counties within the highest SVI quartile, consistent across gender and geographic subgroups. Conclusions: Increased SVI is a poor marker to predict mortality outcomes associated with AF. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Arrhythmia published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japanese Heart Rhythm Society.