Impact of Covid and Heart Disease on Public Heath
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a trusted source of information for public health data and statistics. The agency collects and analyzes data from various sources to comprehensively understand health trends and patterns in the United States. In this op-ed, we will take a closer look at the latest data on deaths in the country and what it tells us about public health and policy.
According to my analysis from the CDC, the leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease, accounting for nearly one in every four deaths. Even during COVID-19’s peak, in 2021, heart disease still nearly doubled the number of deaths in the United States.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on public health around the world. The pandemic has resulted in more than 500,000 deaths in the United States. However, Covid-19 is not the only health crisis affecting the country. Diseases of the heart continue to be a leading cause of death and require a renewed focus to address their impact on public health.
According to my analysis of CDC reports, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for more than 655,000 deaths yearly. This means that one in every four deaths in the country is caused by heart disease. The risk factors for heart disease are well known and include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes, among others. These risk factors can be managed through lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity, as well as through medication and other medical interventions.
The Covid-19 pandemic has further highlighted the devastating impact of heart disease. According to the CDC, people with underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease, are at a higher risk of severe illness and death from Covid-19. This means that people with heart disease face a double threat from the condition and the pandemic.
In addition to the impact on individuals, heart disease also has a significant economic impact on the country. According to the American Heart Association, the cost of heart disease in the United States is projected to reach $1.1 trillion by 2035. This includes the cost of healthcare, as well as lost productivity and other economic costs. This underscores the need for increased investment in public health policies that can prevent and manage heart disease.
So, what can be done to address the devastating impact of heart disease on public health? One key area is prevention. This includes increasing access to healthy foods, promoting physical activity, and educating the public about the risks of heart disease and the importance of managing risk factors. Prevention efforts should also focus on early detection and management of heart disease and on reducing health disparities that can contribute to the disproportionate impact of heart disease on communities of color.
In conclusion, the devastating impact of heart disease on public health in the United States requires urgent attention and action. Despite being a leading cause of death, heart disease is often overlooked in the face of other health crises, such as Covid-19. However, by increasing efforts to prevent and manage heart disease, as well as by investing in research and supporting evidence-based healthcare policies, we can work to reduce the burden of heart disease on individuals and the country as a whole.
