Death Caused By Coronary Heart Disease On The Decline
The leading killer in the USA is listed as 'heart disease' with 616,067 deaths recorded in 2007; it is closely followed by cancer with 562,875 fatalities. According to the figures collected by Center for Disease Control (CDC), there has been a steady (albeit slow) decline in the fatalities caused by coronary diseases.
Three main factors emerge as the reason for this decline. First, people have better and greater control on the risk factors, such as health-harming diet, smoking, stress. Second, the number of coronary heart diseases (CHDs) has decreased considerably with awareness and change in lifestyle. Third, there is increased awareness and better access to more advanced treatment. Fourth, there is the awareness that is being built gradually over the years for prevention and treatment. Lastly, medication to keep high cholesterol and blood pressure under control resulted in better management of heart diseases.
The survey conducted across the country on data between 2006-10, showed that the highest decline in CHD were in West Virginia where the prevalence of the disease fell from 10.4% to 8.0% - a significant 23%; and in Missouri from 7.7% to 6%, showing a decline of 21%.
Even so, coronary heart disease is still the leading killer in the USA; the number of CHCs fatalities being more than that of cancer, respiratory diseases and accidents put together. This is the reason why CDC has launched one of the most important public health campaigns, 'Million Hearts National Initiative ' which aims at reducing CHC (as recorded in 2007) further by 20% by 2020 .
The 'Million Hearts' is a health project launched by the US Department of Health and Human Services with the main basic goal to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes over the next 5 years (2011-2016). The implementation of this program will be made with close collaborations with private and non-profit organizations. The program will work through multi-pronged approach to create awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and risk factors, align policies, facilitate the access to health care and improve treatment adherence. It also involves creating and promoting healthier work environments and behavior patterns that keep stress in control.
