Rural heart attack patients are nearly three times more likely to die before reaching the hospital compared to those in cities, according to preliminary research released by the American Heart Association.
Researchers reviewed death certificate data from the CDC WONDER database for more than 2.5 million adult heart attack deaths in the U.S. between 2003 and 2023. The findings were presented at the AHA’s Scientific Sessions 2026 and have not been peer-reviewed.
Here is what to know.
1. Rural residents are 89% more likely to die at home and 58% more likely to die in outpatient or emergency care settings than those in large, metropolitan areas.
2. Black adults are about 16% more likely than white adults to die from heart attacks prior to arrival at the hospital and 25% are more likely to die in outpatient facilities.
3. Hispanic adults who died of heart attacks were more likely to die in the hospital.
4. Men were more likely to die from a heart attack before arriving at the hospital. Adults ages 20 to 44 disproportionately died of heart attacks outside the hospital, possibly because heart attack symptoms are recognized later in younger adults.
5. Older adults were up to six times more likely to die in a long-term care facility after a heart attack.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
