Recent studies show that states in the South are among those with the most heart disease fatalities. Out of the twenty states with the most heart disease, 13 of them are in the south and Alabama ranks second just behind the state of Mississippi.
In one of the studies from the data of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on heart disease, it was found out that the population’s vulnerability to heart disease varies depending on the state and county.
People in the South which includes Alabama are disparately affected by fatal heart conditions. The rate of cardiovascular deaths was higher than in the other areas of the US.
Many Alabama residents have hypertension or high cholesterol but are unaware of it. Heart disease is frequently diagnosed when it has serious consequences due to a lack of screening and health services. Those most at risk of heart disease came from socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.
The poverty rate in these areas is the highest, with the highest rates of fatal cases.
Heart disease is a group of conditions that have a variety of underlying causes.
There are numerous types of heart disease, including heart rhythm disorders or arrhythmias, which cause the heart to beat too quickly, too slowly, or in an irregular pattern. These heart rhythm disorders cause blood flow to be disrupted.
There are many different types of arrhythmias, some of which have no symptoms or warning signs at all, while others are sudden and fatal.
Another type of heart disease is a coronary artery and vascular disease, which are caused by artery hardening. This condition occurs when the arteries in your heart become blocked or narrowed. It is the most common type of heart disease that leads to the majority of heart attacks as well as chest pains.
The second type is where there are blockages in other blood vessels that reduce blood flow and impair heart function. The third type is structural heart disease, which refers to abnormalities in the structure of the heart, such as its valves, walls, muscles, or blood vessels near the heart. It can also be congenital or acquired after birth by infection and other factors.
Heart failure, the fourth type, is a serious condition that develops when the heart becomes damaged or weakened. High blood pressure and a heart attack are the most common causes of heart failure. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this, but an early diagnosis, medication, and changes in lifestyle can help people lead an active life and live longer. Other heart diseases include inherited disorders, enlarged heart muscle, and infections.
Unhealthy lifestyle choices increase one's risk of developing heart disease. The main risk factors are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. In addition to other medical conditions, being overweight, obese, or diabetic can put you at risk for heart disease.
As per a report published by public health officials in Alabama, 25% of all adults in the state are obese. That's one out of every four individuals. And another 37.5% of all adults are overweight. Both put together, one out of every two individuals is at risk for heart disease. It is alarming.
Also, studies suggest that cardiovascular diseases are affected by income, education, and access to healthcare.
The Cardiovascular Health (CVH) Program is helping the state of Alabama in partnership with other organizations to prevent death and disability from heart disease and strokes and implementing plans on policy and system changes in worksites, community settings, and healthcare.
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