Although coronary heart disease (CHD) is still prevalent in the United States, it has less of an impact than it did 10 years ago. Research based on a new study provided by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) reported the rates of CHD decreased from 10.3% in 2001 to 8% in 2011. The study included results from surveys of 21,472 adults aged 40 to 59. The event monitor professionals at ReactDx give you the facts from the survey so you can share the findings with your patients.
- Along with the decrease of CHD for adults aged 40-59, those aged 60+ indicated a drop of CHD from 19.5% to 14.9% for the same time period.
- Breaking down the study into genders, women noted a decrease from 8.5% in 2001 to 6.2% for 2011.
- For division among races, caucasians, and black adults both showed less likelihood to suffer from CHD; Mexican-American adults showed no change in CHD amounts.
- Overall, Americans are smoking less today than they were a decade ago.
- High blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, obesity, and diabetes all increased. While these factors are directly tied to diet, the ability for patients to control glucose level improved, proving patients are more aware of managing their health problems once they exist.
The statistics of this study seem promising. Lead investigator Sung Sug (Sarah) Yoon, PhD, RN, who was affiliated with the Centers for Disease Control’s National Center for Health Statistics at the time the study was conducted, points to prevention efforts as well as better management of risk factors on the part of physicians and patients as the reason the numbers have improved. Dietary changes, fewer smoking-related diseases, greater prevalence of physical activity, and a daily aspirin regimen are all factors. For patients who are suffering from CHD, an event monitor from ReactDx may interpret specific episodes of heart arrhythmias and give a more complete picture of the patient’s overall heart health.
Contact ReactDx today at 800-23-HEART (800-234-3278) to speak with a trained associate, and read our past blogs for the latest news on cardiac health.
