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

BackgroundMultiple 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. MethodsCDC databases were used to obtain mortality and SVI information. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) were compared among all US counties, aggregated by SVI quartiles. ResultsAAMR was not increased in counties within the highest SVI quartile, consistent across gender and geographic subgroups. ConclusionsIncreased SVI is a poor marker to predict mortality outcomes associated with AF.