Observing American Heart Month raises awareness about the impact of heart disease on the lives of people in the United States.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, claiming the lives of more than 630,000 people in the United States each year. Unfortunately, the Southeastern United States has higher overall hospitalization and death rates due to heart disease compared to other regions of the country. This puts a strain on our local and regional healthcare systems and increases healthcare costs for patients and families.
To better understand why the general population in the Southeast is more at-risk for heart disease, we need to look at two main reasons:
Prevalence of Risk Factors - The Southeastern United States has higher rates of risk factors for heart disease such as obesity, physical inactivity, and high blood pressure compared to other parts of the country.
Disparities in Access to Care - Unfortunately, disparities in access to care for heart disease exist in the Southeast, with certain populations such as minorities and low-income individuals having a higher burden of heart disease and fewer resources for prevention and treatment.
The high rate of heart disease in the Southeast has a negative economic impact, leading to increased healthcare costs, lost productivity due to missed work, and decreased quality of life for patients and their families. These statistics and facts highlight the importance of raising awareness about heart disease and the immediate need for complete and comprehensive healthcare solutions.
It is important to note that heart disease is a preventable condition and there are several steps that people can take to reduce their risk.
Southeast Medical Group is dedicated to helping patients maintain a healthy heart through wholistic, value-based care and building a personalized healthcare journey for each and every patient. By working together with your primary care provider and taking steps to prevent heart disease, you can minimize the risk of developing this life-threatening condition and, in doing so, live a long, happy, healthy life!
