❦ 'For middle-aged adults (50–64) in this period [June 2022 – June 2023], the relative excess for almost all causes of death examined was higher than that seen for all ages.'

➲ ‘Since July 2020, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) has published estimates of excess mortality.

In the period from week ending 3rd June 2022 to 30th June 2023, excess deaths for all causes were relatively greatest for 50–64 year olds (15% higher than expected), compared with 11% higher for 25–49 and < 25 year olds, and about 9% higher for over 65 year old groups.

Several causes, including cardiovascular diseases, show a relative excess greater than that seen in deaths from all-causes (9%) over the same period (week ending 3rd June 2022–30th June 2023), namely: all cardiovascular diseases (12%), heart failure (20%), ischaemic heart diseases (15%), liver diseases (19%), acute respiratory infections (14%), and diabetes (13%).

For middle-aged adults (50–64) in this 13-month period, the relative excess for almost all causes of death examined was higher than that seen for all ages.

Deaths involving cardiovascular diseases were 33% higher than expected, while for specific cardiovascular diseases, deaths involving ischaemic heart diseases were 44% higher, cerebrovascular diseases 40% higher and heart failure 39% higher.

Deaths involving acute respiratory infections were 43% higher than expected and for diabetes, deaths were 35% higher.

Deaths involving liver diseases were 19% higher than expected for those aged 50–64, the same as for deaths at all ages.

Looking at place of death, from 3rd June 2022 to 30th June 2023 there were 22% more deaths in private homes than expected compared with 10% more in hospitals.

The greatest numbers of excess deaths in the acute phase of the pandemic were in older adults.

The pattern now is one of persisting excess deaths which are most prominent in relative terms in middle-aged and younger adults, with deaths from CVD [cardiovascular] causes and deaths in private homes being most affected.’

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➲ [C19.Life Note]: Considering their findings and conclusion, I’m not sure why the authors would choose to use the term ‘post-pandemic’ in this title – when their evidence points to an on-going pandemic, fueled by continuing high rates of infection, that is now simply killing younger age-groups than previously seen.]

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📖 (1 Dec 2023 ~ The Lancet (Regional Health Europe) Excess mortality in England post Covid-19 pandemic: implications for secondary prevention ➤

© 2023 Pearson-Stuttard et al / The Lancet (Regional Health Europe).