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Heart Disease Mortality Soars in Southern, Midwestern States
7 Aug
Summary
- Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma have highest heart disease death rates
- 11 states with rates between 191.5 to 229.8 per 100,000 people
- Heart disease can cause heart attacks, arrhythmia, and heart failure
According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), several U.S. states are grappling with alarmingly high rates of heart disease-related deaths. The analysis, published on July 15, 2025, reveals that Alabama, Mississippi, and Oklahoma have the highest incidence, with around 234, 248, and 257 deaths per 100,000 total population, respectively.
Trailing closely behind are Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Tennessee, and West Virginia, all reporting rates between 191.5 to 229.8 per 100,000 people. In contrast, states like Minnesota, Hawaii, Alaska, Florida, Colorado, and New Jersey have the lowest heart disease mortality.
Heart disease is an umbrella term covering various conditions that restrict blood flow to the heart, potentially leading to heart attacks, irregular heart rhythms, and heart failure if left untreated. The CDC emphasizes that high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are the three key risk factors, with nearly half of Americans having at least one of these.
To combat this growing public health crisis, experts recommend adopting healthier lifestyles, including balanced diets, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Proactive management of pre-existing conditions through regular check-ups and prescribed medications is also crucial.
