A study of more than 42,000 U.S. death certificates reveals that mortality rates for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are rising, with significant disparities linked to race, age, and geography. Research published in the journal Neurology indicates that Black patients experience higher mortality rates at younger ages compared to white patients, while cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure are increasingly cited as contributors to these deaths.
Rising Mortality Trends in Multiple Sclerosis
Despite advancements in disease-modifying therapies for MS, mortality rates have climbed over the 12-year period analyzed by researchers. The study, led by Lilyana Amezcua, MD, at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, examined 42,205 death certificates from the CDC’s WONDER database between 2012 and 2023. Amezcua noted that the team expected treatment progress to flatten these trends, but the data suggests otherwise, pointing to a critical need for better management of co-occurring health conditions.
Did you know? While MS is more prevalent in northern climates, researchers found the highest death rates concentrated in states including Wyoming, Oregon, Utah, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Michigan, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in MS Outcomes
The data highlights a clear divergence in how MS affects different populations. Black individuals recorded the highest MS-related death rates in the study. While death rates for white patients typically peaked between ages 75 and 84, Black patients faced a mortality peak between ages 65 and 74. Additionally, Hispanic women showed an increase in death rates between the ages of 45 and 84.
These findings align with broader healthcare challenges. Previous research has indicated that patients from racial and ethnic minority groups may face diagnosis delays of up to 10 years compared to white patients. Such delays often postpone essential treatments, potentially impacting long-term survival.
The Role of Cardiovascular Comorbidities
High blood pressure and cardiac arrest are emerging as significant factors in MS-related mortality. According to the research, deaths involving high blood pressure increased notably between 2019 and 2023, particularly among white and Black individuals. Cardiac arrest-related deaths also rose for Black patients between 2019 and 2022.
Amezcua emphasizes that these conditions are often treatable or preventable. “It’s important to provide comprehensive care that takes a person’s overall health into account,” she stated. Furthermore, cardiovascular damage can sometimes mimic MS lesions on brain scans, which may complicate diagnostic efforts and contribute to the observed delays in identifying the disease.
Managing blood pressure and heart health is not just for general wellness; it may be a vital component of long-term MS care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are MS death rates increasing?
Researchers suggest that while disease-modifying therapies have improved, the management of co-occurring conditions—such as cardiovascular disease—has not kept pace, contributing to rising mortality trends.
How does race affect MS mortality?
The study found that Black patients have the highest MS-related death rates and tend to die at younger ages than white patients. These outcomes may be influenced by systemic factors including health care access and diagnostic delays.
Can cardiovascular health impact an MS diagnosis?
Yes. Because cardiovascular damage can appear similar to MS lesions on brain imaging, it can complicate the diagnostic process, sometimes leading to delays in receiving specialized care.
What geographic factors influence MS?
MS is historically more common in northern regions. The study found higher mortality concentrations in states like Maine, New Hampshire, and Oregon, though researchers note that demographics and healthcare access play a larger role in these statistics than geography alone.
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