Emergency Department Visits for Circulatory System Diseases: A Study of Primary Diagnoses Using National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) Data From 2016 to 2022

In this nationally representative analysis, primary ED presentations for circulatory diseases were dominated by hypertension-related conditions and acute ischemic events. Stabilization of rates post-2020, particularly among older and Medicare-insured patients, indicates potential targets for intervention. Strengthening primary care access and preventive programs, especially for older adults and non-Hispanic Black individuals, may reduce ED reliance and improve equity in cardiovascular care.