CDC Releases Vital Signs: Preventable Deaths from Heart Disease and Stroke

Nearly 1 in 3 deaths in the US each year is caused by heart disease and stroke. At least 200,000 of these deaths could have been prevented through changes in health habits, such as stopping smoking, more physical activity, and less salt in the diet; community changes to create healthier living spaces, such as safe places to exercise and smoke-free areas; and managing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

High blood pressure management is a key strategy of the  Million Hearts Initiative, an effort to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes over five years.  Colorado participates in this initiative and you can too. Be one in a million - make your commitment and pledge today.

According to a recently released Vital Signs report from the Centers for Disease and Control, Colorado had the third lowest age-adjusted preventable death rate from heart disease, stroke, and hypertensive disease nationally from 2008-10. In 2010, there were 2,041 preventable deaths from heart disease, stroke, and hypertensive disease in Colorado -- an age-adjusted rate of 39.9 (38.1-41.7) per 100,000 population. This represents a 3.9% decrease per year since 2001, when the age-adjusted preventable death rate was 57.0 (54.5-59.5). 

Nationally, six of the 10 counties with the lowest age-adjusted preventable death rate from heart disease, stroke, and hypertensive disease in 2008-2010 were in Colorado.

The age-adjusted preventable death rate from heart disease, stroke, and hypertensive disease varied across Colorado counties in 2008-10, from a low of 18.1 per 100,000 in Eagle County to a high of 89.7 per 100,000 in Bent County. Comparing these two counties regarding social determinants of health in 2010, the poverty prevalence was 9.8% in Eagle County and 32.4% in Bent County, and the prevalence of having education less than college was 53.0% in Eagle County and 88.7% in Bent County.