Did You Know, Colorado? January 7, 2015

Cardiovascular disease refers to a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. 

This new fact sheet describes cardiovascular disease-related burden and disparities in Colorado.

·      Hospitalization and death rates for heart disease and stroke have dropped significantly in the last decade both in Colorado and nationally. However, these causes of death still account for a high proportion of total deaths.

·      Heart disease and stroke were the second and fifth leading causes of death among Coloradans in 2013; combined, they accounted for 24% of deaths in Colorado.

·      The prevalence of cardiovascular disease in Colorado in 2013 was highest among males, older adults, adults with lower annual household income and lower education levels, and adults living in eastern Colorado counties.

·      The prevalence of cardiovascular disease did not differ between racial/ethnic groups in Colorado. However, national data show that Blacks are nearly twice as likely as Whites to die from preventable heart disease and stroke.

·      Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet (e.g., high in fat, cholesterol, salt), and tobacco and alcohol use. At least 200,000 deaths from heart disease and stroke in the U.S. each year are preventable through risk factor management.

For more information about chronic disease data in Colorado, contact Renee Calanan.