Trends and Disparities in Atrial Fibrillation‐Related Mortality Among Older Adults With Parkinson's Disease in the United States, 2000–2023

ABSTRACT Background The coexistence of Parkinson's Disease (PD) and Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is increasingly recognized, but the mortality burden and disparities among affected individuals remain poorly characterized. Objective This study aimed to analyze 24‐year trends, demographic patterns, and geographic disparities in AF‐related mortality among US older adults with PD. Methods We conducted a population‐based analysis using CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death data from 2000 to 2023. Age‐adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) were extracted for adults aged 65 and older with both AF and PD listed as causes of death. Trends were analyzed using Joinpoint regression to compute annual percentage changes (APCs). Results Overall, AAMR increased from 3.1 in 2000 to 8.2 in 2023 per 100 000 population. A statistically significant acceleration occurred from 2015 to 2021 (APC: +10.7%; 95% CI: 7.8–13.8), followed by a non‐significant decline from 2021 to 2023 (APC: −2.7%; 95% CI: −10.3 to 5.5). Mortality was consistently higher among men than women throughout the study period. Non‐Hispanic White adults had the highest overall AAMR (5.6), while Hispanic adults demonstrated the most consistent upward trend (APC: +6.8%; 95% CI: 5.9–7.6). Pronounced geographic disparities were observed, with the highest mortality in the Western US and nonmetropolitan areas. State‐level AAMRs varied nearly fourfold, ranging from 7.7 in Minnesota to 2.0 in Nevada. Conclusion AF‐related mortality among older adults with PD has risen substantially, marked by significant sex, racial, and geographic disparities. Future studies should conduct further investigation into the link between PD and AF.