The Lead Episode 115: A Discussion of Socioeconomic position and sudden cardiac death: A Danish nationwide study.

Description

Melissa E. Middeldorp, MPH, PhD is joined by Martin K. Stiles, MBChB, PhD, FHRS, University of Auckland and Waikato Hospital and Eloi Marijon, MD, PhD, Paris University & European Georges Pompidou Hospital, to discuss this Danish nationwide study examines the relationship between socioeconomic position (SEP) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) as well as all-cause mortality (ACM). Analyzing all deaths in Denmark from 2010, researchers found a strong inverse association between both income and education level and the risk of SCD and ACM. Individuals in the lowest income and education groups had significantly higher rates of SCD, even after adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities. The study highlights that despite Denmark’s universal healthcare system, socioeconomic disparities in health outcomes persist, suggesting that factors beyond healthcare access—such as health literacy, lifestyle, and systemic inequalities—play a crucial role. The findings call for further research into the mechanisms driving these disparities and the development of targeted prevention strategies.

Learning Objectives

Understand the impact of socioeconomic position (SEP) on sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk – Lower income and education levels are significantly associated with higher rates of SCD and all-cause mortality, even in a country with universal healthcare.
Recognize the need for targeted prevention strategies – Addressing socioeconomic disparities through improved health education, lifestyle interventions, and policy changes may help reduce the risk of SCD in lower SEP populations.

Article Authors and Podcast Contributors

Article Authors

Toke Stahl Jacobsen, Tobias Skjelbred, Lars Køber, Bo Gregers Winkel, Thomas Hadberg Lynge, Jacob Tfelt-Hansen

Podcast Contributors

Melissa E. Middeldorp, MPH, PhD, University of Adelaide
Martin K. Stiles, MBChB, PhD, FHRS, Waikato Hospital and University of Auckland
Eloi Marijon, MD, PhD, Paris University & European Georges Pompidou Hospital

Faculty and Disclosures

All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated.

Host Disclosure(s):

M. Middeldorp:

Nothing to disclose.

Contributor Disclosure(s):

E. Marijon:

Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting: Zoll Medical Corporation, Boston Scientific
Research: Biotronik, Boston Scientific, MicroPort Scientific Corporation, Medtronic, Zoll Medical Corporation, Abbott

M. Stiles:

Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting: Abbott Medical, Medtronic, Inc., Boston Scientific

Staff Disclosure(s) (note: HRS staff are NOT in control of educational content. Disclosures are provided solely for full transparency to the learner):

S. Sailor: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
S. Colbert: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Summary

Availability:

On-Demand

Cost:

FREE

Credit Offered:

No Credit Offered