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. 

https://www.hrsonline.org/education/TheLead https://academic.oup.com/europace/article/27/4/euaf001/7958953?login=false

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