Despite increasing health care costs and American waist-lines, the mortality rate for cardiovascular disease declined in the past year, according to a recent report from the American Heart Association, AHA.
From 1998 to 2008, cardiovascular mortality fell 30% but the AHA document illustrates we have a long ways to go. Data from 2008 showed that an average of one American will die of cardiovascular disease every 39 seconds, coronary heart disease is responsible for one of every six deaths in the United States, and that one of nine death certificates mentioned heart failure.
The trends are looking good, but cardiovascular disease continues to be the cause of significant morbidity and mortality in the United States.
children & cardiovascular disease
In the past 30 years, the incidence of childhood obesity has risen from 4% to 20% and over half of children 12 to 19 have multiple risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease.
Among children aged 12 to 19, the prevalence of dyslipidemia is a shocking 20%. Currently, screening this age group for dyslipidemia has not been universally recommended, though statins can be used in children as young as 8 years of age.
American Indian youths had the third highest prevalence of childhood diabetes, with 2.28 cases per 1000 patients.
While mortality data decreases, let’s continue to encourage patients to eat healthy and exercise; come on Gallup, let’s move!
References:
The American heart. Roger VL, Go AS, Lloyd-Jones DM, Benjamin EJ, Berry JD, Borden WB et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics-- 1012 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation 2012; 125:e2-e220.
Let’s Move Campaign, accessed at www.letsmove.gov on 01/04/12.
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