Question

One page ESSAY on

“Heart disease death rate in Mississippi” based on “Healthy People 2020” program

Answer 1

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.1 Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Together, heart disease and stroke, along with other cardiovascular disease, are among the most widespread and costly health problems facing the Nation today, accounting approximately $320 billion in health care expenditures and related expenses annually.Fortunately, they are also among the most preventable.

The leading modifiable (controllable) risk factors for heart disease and stroke are:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Cigarette smoking
• Diabetes
• Unhealthy diet and physical inactivity
• Overweight and obesity

Over time, these risk factors cause changes in the heart and blood vessels that can lead to heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes. It is critical to address risk factors early in life to prevent these devastating events and other potential complications of chronic cardiovascular disease.

Controlling risk factors for heart disease and stroke remains a challenge. High blood pressure, cigarette smoking, and high blood cholesterol are still major contributors to the national epidemic of cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure affects approximately 1 in 3 adults in the United States, and only about half of them have it under control.3 High sodium intake can increase blood pressure and the risk for heart disease and stroke, yet about 90% of American adults exceed their daily recommendation for sodium intake

High blood pressure awareness among adults

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. It is called the "silent killer" because it often has no warning signs. Lifestyle risk factors for high blood pressure include high sodium intake, excessive caloric intake, physical inactivity, and high alcohol consumption. Healthy People 2020 Goal: Reduce the proportion of adults with high blood pressure Healthy People 2020 Target: 26.9%

2011 DATA HIGHLIGHTS

• 4 out of 10 adults in Mississippi reported high blood pressure.

• Black females had the highest prevalence of high blood pressure.

• A higher proportion of blacks reported high blood pressure than whites.

• Adults with more than a high school education had a lower prevalence of high blood pressure than those with a high school education or less.

• The prevalence of high blood pressure increased as poverty increased. Those living at 0-99% FPL had a 66% higher prevalence of high blood pressure than those living at > 300% FPL.

High blood cholesterol awareness among adults

High blood cholesterol is one of the major modifiable risk factors for heart disease and stroke. As a results, public health agencies and their partners have attempted to reduce the prevalence of high blood cholesterol through screening and by increasing public awareness of high blood cholesterol and strategies for reducing it. Cholesterol levels can be reduced through dietary changes (e.g., reduced intake of saturated fats and dietary cholesterol), increased physical activity, and drug treatment.

2011 DATA HIGHLIGHTS

• More than 40% adults in Mississippi reported high blood cholesterol.

• Those living at 0-99% FPL had a higher prevalence of high blood cholesterol than those living at > 300% FPL.

Deaths related to coronary heart disease

During 2011, heart disease was the leading cause of death in Mississippi, accounting for 25% of all deaths. Modifiable risk factors for heart disease include behaviors (e.g., tobacco use, physical inactivity), health status (e.g., hypertension, overweight, diabetes), and public health policies (e.g., tobacco free laws). Healthy People 2020 Goal: Reduce coronary heart disease deaths Healthy People 2020 Target: 100.8 deaths per 100,000

Deaths related to stroke

2010, stroke was the 5th leading cause of death in the Mississippi. Modifiable risk factors for stroke include behaviors (e.g., tobacco use, physical inactivity, and improper nutrition) and health status (e.g., untreated hypertension, hyperlipidemia, overweight, or diabetes). Healthy People 2020 Goal: Reduce stroke deaths Healthy People 2020 Target: 33.8 deaths per 100,000