American Heart Association reports significant increase in US cardiovascular deaths

By Staff

More people died from cardiovascular-related causes in 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, than in any year since 2003, with the largest increases in deaths among Asians, Blacks and Hispanics, according to the American Heart Association 2023 Statistical Update.

The association's 2023 Statistical Update reported that the number of people dying from cardiovascular disease, or CVD, in the U.S. escalated during the first year of the pandemic from 874,613 CVD-related deaths in 2019 to 928,741 in 2020.

The rise in the number of CVD deaths in 2020 represents the largest single-year increase since 2015 and surpassed the previous high of 910,000 in 2003.

“While the total number of CVD-related deaths increased from 2019 to 2020, what may be even more telling is that our age-adjusted mortality rate increased for the first time in many years and by a fairly substantial 4.6%,” Dr. Connie W. Tsao, chair of the Statistical Update writing group, said in a statement.

“The age-adjusted mortality rate takes into consideration that the total population may have more older adults from one year to another, in which case you might expect higher rates of death among older people," said Tsao, who is also a Harvard Medical School professor and cardiologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

"So even though our total number of deaths have been slowly increasing over the past decade, we have seen a decline each year in our ageadjusted rates – until 2020. I think that is very indicative of what has been going on within our country – and the world – in light of people of all ages being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially before vaccines were available to slow the spread.”

The largest increases in the number of cardiovascular-related deaths occurred among Asian, Black and Hispanic people — populations most impacted in the early days of the pandemic, according to the AHA.

“We know that COVID-19 took a tremendous toll, and preliminary data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have shown that there was a substantial increase in the loss of lives from all causes since the start of the pandemic. That this likely translated to an increase in overall cardiovascular deaths, while disheartening, is not surprising. In fact, the Association predicted this trend, which is now official,”

AHA President Dr. Michelle A. Albert said in a statement.

“COVID-19 has both direct and indirect impacts on cardiovascular health. As we learned, the virus is associated with new clotting and inflammation," said Albert, the admissions dean and a professor at the UC San Francisco Medical

School. "We also know that many people who had new or existing heart disease and stroke symptoms were reluctant to seek medical care, particularly in the early days of the pandemic. This resulted in people presenting with more advanced stages of cardiovascular conditions and needing more acute or urgent treatment for what may have been manageable chronic conditions. And, sadly, appears to have cost many their lives.”

According to Albert, who is the director of the CeNter for the StUdy of AdveRsiTy and CardiovascUlaR DiseasE, or NURTURE Center, at UCSF and a leader in health equity and adversity research, the larger increases in the number of coronary heart disease deaths among adults of Asian, Black and Hispanic populations appear to be linked with the people most often infected with COVID19.

“People from communities of color were among those more highly impacted, especially early on, often due to a disproportionate burden of cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and obesity. Additionally, there are socioeconomic considerations, as well as the ongoing impact of structural racism on multiple factors including limiting the ability to access quality health care,” Albert said. “The American Heart Association responded quickly at the beginning of the pandemic to address the impact of COVID-19 and focus on equitable health for all. The Association launched the first-ever rapid response research grants calling on the research community to quickly turn around transformative science; established a COVID-19 CVD hospital registry through the Get With The Guidelines quality initiative; and also made an unprecedented pledge to aggressively address social determinants while working to support and improve the equitable health of all communities. We are empowering real change that will save lives.”

Cardiovascular disease such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, all of which also put people at increased risk for COVID. Many of the studies noted identify specific gender, race and ethnicity disparities. Disparities don't solely occur among age, sex and racial or ethnic groups, according to the Statistical Update's writing committee. While the Update has been including a variety of social factors affecting health data in its report, the commentary noted that data from other underrepresented populations, such as LGBTQ people and people living in rural vs. urban areas of the U.S. are still lacking. The commentary authors note the lack of scientific research and cumulative data on the impacts of social identity and social determinants. includes coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure and hypertension/high blood pressure, according to the AHA. Coronary heart disease includes clogged arteries or atherosclerosis of the heart, which can result in a heart attack, and is the leading cause of death in the U.S.

Stroke continues to rank fifth among all causes of death behind heart disease, cancer, COVID-19 and unintentional injuries or accidents, the AHA reported. COVID-19 made the list of leading causes of death for the first time in 2020, the most recent year for which final statistics are available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The 2023 AHA Statistical Update includes many references to COVID-19 and its impact on cardiovascular disease. Data points and scientific research findings are inserted throughout most chapters of the document, including those related to the risk factors for heart disease and stroke

“We know that to address discrimination and disparities that impact health, we must better recognize and understand the unique experiences of individuals and populations. This year’s writing group made a concerted effort to gather information on specific social factors related to health risk and outcomes, including sexual orientation, gender identity, urbanization and socioeconomic position,” Tsao said. “However, the data are lacking because these communities are grossly underrepresented in clinical and epidemiological research. We are hopeful that this gap in literature will be filled in coming years as it will be critical to the American Heart Association’s goal to achieve cardiovascular health equity for all in the U.S. and globally.”

Globally, cardiovascular disease continues to be the no. 1 killer, taking the lives of more than 19 million people each year. However, the risk factors that lead to heart disease and stroke continue to disproportionately impact certain populations in the U.S. as well as around the world.

Los Angeles Pasadena

Man killed, 2 people wounded in shooting near South Pasadena

A man in his 50s is dead and a woman is in critical condition after a shooting Tuesday in Monterey Hills near South Pasadena. Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department's Northeast Division responded at 12:28 a.m. Tuesday to 4401 Maycrest Ave. west of Huntington Drive regarding a shots-fired call, police said. They found two men and a woman suffering from gunshot wounds, an LAPD spokeswoman told City News Service. One man was taken to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead. A woman in her 50s was hospitalized in critical condition and a 44-year-old man was hospitalized in stable condition, according to police.

Arcadia

Another horse dies during training at Santa Anita Park

A 4-year-old colt suffered a sudden death while training at Santa Anita Park, the second fatality at the Arcadia track this year. Actuator died Saturday, according to the California Horse Racing Board, which listed his injury under the "non-musculoskeletal" category. No further information on his cause of death was immediately available. Actuator had seven races and two first-place finishes in his career, all out of state, according to the industry website Equibase. His last listed workout was Saturday at Santa Anita. He was owned by Rick Howard and Gavin O'Connor, his trainer was Michael McCarthy and his jockey was Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr., according to Equibase.

Burbank

Hospital worker alleges she was harassed for seeking COVID vaccine exemption

A former employee at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank is suing parent company

Providence Health & Services, maintaining she was harassed and forced to quit in 2022 after applying to be excused on religious grounds from the hospital's mandatory employee coronavirus vaccination policy, an exemption her boss allegedly said was reserved for Muslims and Jews. Amanda Castaneda's Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit allegations include religious discrimination and harassment, wrongful constructive termination, retaliation, assault, false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Castaneda seeks at least $500,000 in compensatory damages as well as punitive damages. A Providence representative did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the suit brought on Jan. 19.

Long Beach

Authorities identify victim of fatal crash in Long Beach

A 26-year-old motorist who was killed in a twovehicle crash in Long Beach was identified Tuesday. Officers were dispatched at about 4:05 a.m. Sunday to Magnolia Avenue and Hill Street, where a motorist was pronounced dead at the scene, the Long Beach Police Department reported. The Los Angeles County coroner's office identified Roberto Rodriguez as the victim of the crash. Rodriguez's city of residence was not immediately available. Another motorist who suffered critical injuries in the crash was rushed by paramedics to a hospital, where he was listed in critical conditi

Orange County

Orange County

Man arrested for allegedly vandalizing landmark mural in Orange County

A man wanted for allegedly vandalizing a landmark mural in Costa Mesa with white supremacist language in October was arrested when he appeared in court on an unrelated matter, police said Tuesday.

Daniel Alec Hotte, 27, of Dana Point, was taken into custody Monday morning at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach on a warrant, and was booked on suspicion of vandalism and committing a hate crime, said Roxi Fyad of the Costa Mesa Police Department. Officers were sent to the 3000 block of Killybrooke Lene about 2:30 p.m. Oct. 31 in response to the vandalism report, Fyad said.

Anaheim

Man gets 2 years for police chase with 6-year-old girl in car

A 31-year-old man has been sentenced to two years in prison for leading police on a drug-fueled chase with a 6-year-old girl in the backseat of his vehicle, according to court records obtained Monday. Police attempted to pull Kevin Gregory Ruff over on Jan. 13 for a traffic violation, but he kept going, police said. Police quickly stopped the pursuit, but about 60 to 90 seconds later he crashed, police said. According to the criminal complaint, Ruff tried to get rid of stolen bank checks following the crash.

Riverside

Riverside County

Riverside County man pleads guilty to stabbing sister in face, sentenced to 8 years in prison

A Desert Hot Springs man who stabbed his sister in the face pleaded guilty to two felony charges Monday and was immediately sentenced to eight years in prison. Juan Angel Lopez, 41, pleaded guilty to one felony count each of aggravated mayhem and mayhem, according to court records. Lopez attacked his then35-year-old sister Jessica Lopez on Dec. 7, 2017, at a transient camp in the 67200 block of Hacienda Avenue in Desert Hot Springs after the two had argued on and off throughout the day, according to an arrest warrant declaration filed by Desert Hot Springs police officer T. Chapman. He approached her while she was talking to someone and stabbed her in the face with a knife, according to the document.

Riverside

Felon shot by Riverside cops during warrant service sentenced

A parolee who was shot by Riverside police officers serving him with an arrest warrant after he successfully eluded them during a chase was sentenced Monday to four years in state prison. Xavier Daniel Lopez, 31, of Moreno Valley pleaded guilty in November to resisting arrest, being a felon in possession of a firearm, felony evading and parole violations. In exchange for the admissions, the Riverside County District Attorney's Office dropped charges of brandishing a gun, not in selfdefense, and a separate but related gun possession allegation. Superior Court Judge John Molloy certified the terms of the plea agreement and imposed the sentence stipulated by the prosecution and defendant, who represented himself in court proceedings.

Corona Man accused of killing motorist in wrong way collision near Corona in custody

A motorist who allegedly killed a 47-year-old man in a head-on collision stemming from the suspect driving the wrong way while intoxicated on a roadway just south of Corona was under arrest Monday. Daniel Saul Cortez, 30, of Norco is suspected of killing 47-year-old Martin Padilla of Hemet in the predawn hours Friday at the intersection of Temescal Canyon and Leroy roads, according to the California Highway Patrol. Cortez is recovering from injuries suffered in the crash but was formally placed under arrest while hospitalized over the weekend, CHP Officer Javier Navarro said.

San Bernardino

San Bernardino County

Record number of volunteers come out for Point-In-Time Count

With assistance from a record number of volunteers, San Bernardino County and its partner cities, towns and agencies conducted the 2023 Point-In-Time Count of the county’s homeless population on Thursday morning. The results, which will be tabulated and announced during the coming months, will help determine how much assistance the county receives from the federal government to address homelessness. “The Point-in-Time Count is a crucial part to developing and implementing a comprehensive plan to combat homelessness and provide a pathway to self-sufficiency. I want to thank our partners and the dedicated volunteers who took part in conducting this year’s survey,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Dawn Rowe.

San Bernardino

CSUSB food pantry receives $5,000 grant from BIGHORN Cares

Cal State San Bernardino's Palm Desert Campus food pantry received a $5,000 grant from BIGHORN Cares to fund monthly produce distribution, and educational workshops and activities, officials said Monday. The grant will be allocated to the campus' Delivering Emergency Nutrition (DEN) food pantry, which will distribute the monthly produce in partnership with Feeding America Riverside's Find Food Bank and provide educational workshops and activities through the university's Department of Health Science and Human Ecology nutrition program, according to a statement from the Palm Desert campus.

Ontario

City of Ontario hosting lifeguard training courses over next several weekends

The city of Ontario is calling all residents who are interested in getting American Red Cross Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor certified to partake in the city’s lifeguard training courses. These classes are great at providing the knowledge and skills needed to be a lifeguard or swim instructor for the city of Ontario aquatics program. By accomplishing the training, participants can register to apply for lifeguard, instructor guard, or pool manager positions. Classes take place on weekends, from 8 a.m. through 6:30 p.m. at Colony High School, located on 3850 E. Riverside Drive. For more information, visit OntarioCA.gov/Registration or call (909) 395-2513.

M onrovia

January 19

At 4:02 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of El Sur regarding a suicidal female subject. Officers arrived and determined she was a danger to herself. She was transported to a medical facility for a medical evaluation.

At 4:12 p.m., a caller stated a vehicle was blocking the roadway near Chestnut and Monterey. Officers arrived and saw a subject standing next to the passenger side door. He admitted to driving the vehicle. The individual displayed signs of being under the influence of narcotics. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. This investigation is continuing.

At 4:51 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of North Ivy called to report a female juvenile used a fork to stab another female juvenile. Officers arrived and made contact with both parties. The injured subject was provided medical attention. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

At 6:04 p.m., an employee from a business in the 300 block of West Huntington called to report that a subject threw a rock at the business window and damaged it. Officers arrived and located the suspect who fled and was later located along the Metro link tracks. The suspect was positively identified. He was arrested and taken into custody.

At 8:05 p.m., a passerby was a subject walking in and out of traffic as cars were passing by. Officers located the subject near Madison and Foothill, but the subject refused to comply. The subject finally complied and was detained. It was determined that the subject was a danger to himself. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

At 8:26 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Peck and Live Oak. The injured parties were treated at the scene by MFD. The party at fault showed signs of impairment. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

January 20

At 4:01 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Oceanview regarding a traffic collision. The reporting party stated that a vehicle had struck a parked car. Officers arrived and made contact with the driver who showed signs of being under the influence. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

January 21

At 7:49 p.m., a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain reported a male subject and a female victim arguing when the male began to hit the victim. They were gone prior to the officers’ arrival. The victim called at a later time to report the incident. This investigation is continuing.

At 10:29 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for speeding in the 400 block of West Foothill. The driver displayed signs of impairment. A DUI investigation showed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

January 22

At 12:58 a.m., an officer saw about twelve people fighting in the street in the 400 block of South Myrtle. Officers responded and people ran in all directions. A female who was detained at the scene was intoxicated and involved in the fight. She was arrested, cited and released at the scene.

At 1:20 a.m., officers detained involved subjects running from the fight in the 400 block of South Myrtle. Two males were uncooperative and intoxicated. A female in the group was also too intoxicated to care for herself. At one point one of the males started to walk away and attempted to fight one of the officers. All subjects were arrested and taken into custody.

At 10:08 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain called to report a male suspect shoplifted. Offic-

Blotters

ers arrived and located the suspect. He was arrested and taken into custody.

At 3:27 p.m., a robbery was reported in the 500 block of West Huntington. The suspect pulled a knife on an employee and was attempting to leave with property. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

At 8:11 p.m., an officer responded to the parking lot in the 100 block of West Foothill regarding a suspicious female approaching patrons. The officer contacted the female and determined she was intoxicated. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

At 9:01 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of West Scenic regarding a domestic dispute with an exboyfriend refusing to leave the property. Officers arrived and found the male subject to be intoxicated. He was arrested and taken into custody.

January 23

At 10:08 a.m., the victim in the 100 block of South Shamrock reported his vehicle’s catalytic converter was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

At 4:41 p.m., a victim in the 100 block of North Magnolia reported someone hit her parked vehicle and fled the scene. This investigation is continuing.

At 5:02 p.m., officers responded to an injury traffic collision near Lemon and Primrose. One party had a complaint of pain but refused any medical treatment.

At 7:10 p.m., a caller from the 100 block of East Palm reported that multiple work trucks at the location had been burglarized and property was taken. This investigation is continuing.

January 24

At 9:56 a.m., officers responded to a stairwell in the 100 block of West Colorado regarding a subject loitering. Upon arrival, the officers located and contacted a female subject. A computer search revealed the subject had several outstanding warrants for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

A rcadia

January 22

At 8:19 a.m., an officer responded to the intersection of Baldwin Avenue and Fairview Avenue regarding a battery investigation. The suspect, who was riding his bike passed the victim on the sidewalk, spontaneously confronted her, and lunged his bike at her multiple times. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 30 years old, with a black jacket, white gloves, and a blue backpack.

At 10:21 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of West Wistaria Avenue regarding a burglary investigation. The resident witnessed two suspects enter her home and then flee when she confronted them. Both suspects are described as 5-feet-6-inches tall, with medium builds, wearing black face masks, hooded sweatshirts, and dark blue clothing.

January 23

At 4:51 a.m., officers responded to Robusto Cigar, located at 26 N. First Ave., regarding a commercial burglary investigation. Surveillance footage captured one male suspect shattering the front glass door with a punching tool, and once inside, he stole cigar cutters and lighters. The suspect is described as wearing a lightcolored hat and face covering, a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt and light-colored pants.

January 24

At 9:23 a.m., an officer re- sponded to Unocal 76 Gas Station, located at 4 W. Foothill Blvd., regarding a grand theft investigation. The suspect stole an employee’s cell phone from the office and fled in a black Lincoln SUV. The suspect is described as a 35 to 50-year-old Hispanic male, approximately 5-feet-8-inches tall and 160 pounds.

January 25

At 7:53 a.m., an officer responded to Huntington Memorial Hospital regarding a battery that happened at Knockout’s, located at 1580 Clark St. An investigation revealed the victim thought he was entering the Uber ride he ordered, but he accidentally opened the door to a different vehicle. The occupants of that vehicle exited and physically assaulted the victim. The suspects are described as Black males.

At 1:08 p.m., officers responded to Nordstrom, located at 400 S. Baldwin Ave., regarding a grand theft investigation. A lone suspect was seen stealing nearly $3,300 worth of merchandise and was arrested by loss prevention. A records check of the 25-year-old male transient revealed he had an outstanding misdemeanor warrant. He was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking.

January 26

At 7:32 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 1400 block of Orlando Drive regarding a burglary investigation. Surveillance footage captured two suspects entering the rear yard of the residence. The suspects attempted to enter the home but fled without making entry.

At 8:18 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 1200 block of Magnolia Court regarding a burglary investigation. Unknown suspects smashed a rear glass door and ransacked the master bedroom. The loss is unknown.

At 10:30 p.m., an officer responded to Station Bar, located at 1218 S. Baldwin Ave., regarding a vehicle that had collided with three parked cars. Upon contacting the driver, the officer detected a strong odor of alcohol emitting from his breath. Through a series of tests, it was determined that he was driving under the influence of alcohol. The 38-year-old male from Los Angeles was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking.

January 27

At 2:46 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 600 block of Fairview Avenue regarding a battery investigation. During a domestic dispute, the male suspect hit his girlfriend in the face. The 34-year-old male from Arcadia was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking.

At 9:22 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 1800 block of South Santa Anita Avenue regarding a burglary investigation. Surveillance footage captured a lone suspect stealing four handbags from the master bedroom. An investigation revealed the suspect entered the home by shattering a first-floor window. The suspect is described as a male with a thin build, wearing dark clothing.

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Re: “Remaining Monterey Park shooting victims identified” (Jan. 26 issue)

By reason of also being a ballroom dancing aficionado, I became acquainted with Valentino Alvero, who was one of the victims of the deranged shooter who took the lives of eleven Lunar New Year celebrants in Monterey Park.

Besides Monterey Park, Valentino often graced the San Gabriel Elks’ dance floor with his presence, where he was admired by all of its members as a real gentleman — friendly towards all and never aloof. And we all enjoyed seeing him dancing with his lovely dance partner.

Farewell, Valentino — and Godspeed. I’ll honor your memory, as well as that of all the other dancers who died with you prematurely, by living my life with a deeper awareness of its impermanence — and loving with more tenderness all those whom I cherish.

David Quintero Monrovia