The leading cause of death in the United States and Alabama is cardiovascular disease (cVd). The disease comprises stroke and heart disease, accounting for about 33% of deaths in Alabama State (Centers for disease control and Prevention, 2010). Mortality rate for heart disease in the US was 201 per 100,000 populations while that for Alabama was 255 per 100,000 populations in 2008. In 2009, about 12,000 deaths were caused by heart disease and another 3,000 by a stroke in Alabama (Centers for disease control and Prevention, 2010). Deaths can also occur due to heart attacks caused by coronary heart disease. Research shows that men have a higher likelihood of suffering a stroke than women (Centers for disease control and Prevention, 2010). In addition, ethnic differences put black aged individuals at a higher risk of stroke related fatalities than white old people (Centers for disease control and Prevention, 2010).
Heart diseases are caused by various risk factors that are dependent on the lifestyle of the individual. Some of the modifiable risk factors include high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, overweight and obesity, smoking, physical inactivity and nutrients deficiency (lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet) (Centers for disease control and Prevention, 2010). The high rate of death due to cVd in Alabama compared to the US is due to the lifestyle of the residents. According to the Centers for disease control and Prevention (2010), about 69% of obese and overweight residents of Alabama portray at least two modifiable risk factors. The CDC (2010) further suggests that about 28% of the adults in Alabama suffer from high blood pressure, 40% have high blood cholesterol, 23% are smokers, and 31% are physically inactive. In addition, less than 25% of the population in Alabama meets the appropriate intake requirements for vitamins and minerals (Centers for disease control and Prevention, 2010).
The CDC (2010) claims that there are about 4 neurologists for every 100,000 people in the US. Additionally, 67% of Alabama counties have a neurologist, which makes it troublesome and expensive for cVd patients to seek medical care. Hence, Alabama Individuals should avoid heart disease and stroke by minimizing the risk factors, educating the public on signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke, and seeking medical care as soon as the signs of cVd manifest (Centers for disease control and Prevention, 2010).
Reference
Centers for disease control and Prevention (CDC). (2010). The risk of heart disease and stroke in Alabama: Burden Document. Finding the path to Cardiovascular Health. Web.