Heart failure deaths are on the rise
Heart failure deaths in the U.S. have started to climb again after years of being in decline, highlighting once again your need to know your risk for cardiovascular disease.
A paper published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology shows the rise in heart failure deaths is most prevalent among relatively young people in range of ages 35 to 64.
The paper notes that “the prevalence of obesity and diabetes has increased dramatically.” Dr. Ali Valika, a cardiologist based at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Ill., calls it a “disturbing trend.”
“This was particularly prevalent in young black men and women, suggestive of racial disparity with regards to access to health care,” Dr. Valika says. “Despite effective programs to reduce smoking, improve cholesterol and decrease cardiovascular disease in the U.S., improper diets, rising diabetes rates and increasing obesity trends have now correlated strongly to increasing cardiovascular deaths since 2012.”
“These trends tend to have a higher burden and impact on black men and women, which also likely relates to inadequate early access to health care providers,” Dr. Valika says.
What can you do? Stop smoking, eat a healthier diet and exercise to lower your risk for heart problems. You can talk to your doctor about strategies to do all three.
Want to learn more about your risk for heart disease? Take a free, quick online assessment by clicking here.
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About the Author
Mike Riopell, health enews contributor, is a media relations coordinator with Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. He previously worked as a reporter and editor covering politics and government for the Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald and Bloomington Pantagraph, among others. He enjoys bicycles, home repair, flannel shirts and being outside.
I work for Aurora as a Maintenance Technician, we have to wear dark blue long sleeve shirts in the sun and heat of the summer. I sweat very badly and get nauseous from wearing the long sleeves. In the last month I have been diagnosed with an enlarged heart with a thicker wall. Am I at higher risk of a heart attack now wearing the hot uniform? Is it possible the extra heat has caused my heart to enlarge ?
Thank you
Brian