CardioExchange Archive

CardioExchange, an NEJM practice community for medical professionals dedicated to improving cardiac patient care, was active from 2009 to 2015. CardioExchange fostered discussion between clinicians from across the globe.

October 13th, 2011

Coronary Heart Disease Prevalence in U.S. Continues to Decline

The prevalence of coronary heart disease in the U.S. continues to drop, according to the CDC. Data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) surveys, published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, show a significant decrease in overall CHD prevalence from 6.7% to 6% from 2006 to 2010.

In an apparent paradox, the authors note that the decline in CHD mortality that has been occurring for the past 50 years should result in an increase in CHD prevalence. Therefore, they write, “the decline in prevalence is consistent with the reported decline in the prevalence of a population at high risk (i.e., persons with uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and current smokers).”

The MMWR report includes extensive data about the differences in CHD prevalence based on age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, and state of residence. “The data from this report can help health planners develop more targeted prevention programs for states and populations with greater CHD prevalence (e.g., American Indian/Alaska Native men and black women),” the authors write.

CHD prevalence was generally highest in the south. In 2010, Hawaii and Washington, D.C., had the lowest prevalence (3.7% and 3.8%), while West Virginia and Kentucky had the highest (8.0% and 8.2%).

Age-adjusted prevalence of coronary heart disease among adults — Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United States, 2010

Categories: General, Prevention


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