Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Iowa and the United States, affecting millions of people every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Iowa has the 25th highest death rate from cardiovascular disease in the country. But which city in Iowa has the highest heart disease rates in the state?
Sioux City: The Heart of the Problem
According to a recent analysis by MSN, Sioux City is the Iowa city with the highest heart disease rates in the state. The analysis used data from the CDC’s 2018 County Health Rankings, which measure the health outcomes and factors of every county in the nation. The rankings are based on a variety of indicators, such as mortality, morbidity, health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors, and physical environment.
The analysis found that Sioux City, located in Woodbury County, had a heart disease death rate of 233.9 per 100,000 population, which is significantly higher than the state average of 167.4 and the national average of 165.5. Sioux City also ranked poorly on other health factors, such as smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes, and access to care.
What Causes Heart Disease?
Heart disease is a broad term that encompasses several conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, angina, heart failure, arrhythmia, and stroke. These conditions are mainly caused by atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries that narrows and hardens them, reducing blood flow and oxygen to the heart and other organs.
The risk of developing heart disease depends on a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Some of the most common risk factors are:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Poor diet
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Stress
- Family history
- Age
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
How to Prevent and Treat Heart Disease?
Prevention and treatment of heart disease hinge on lifestyle and behavioral adjustments. The American Heart Association advocates:
- Quitting smoking or avoiding secondhand smoke exposure
- Maintaining a healthy weight and BMI
- Adhering to a balanced diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, and added sugars, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats
- Engaging in regular exercise, at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity weekly
- Managing stress and employing relaxation techniques
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Regularly checking blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, following healthcare provider advice
- Adhering to prescribed medications and treatment plans for existing health conditions
- Seeking emergency medical attention for heart attack or stroke symptoms
Conclusion
While heart disease poses a significant health concern in Iowa and the nation, its prevention and treatment involve simple lifestyle modifications. Sioux City grapples with the highest heart disease rates in Iowa, but improvements are attainable by addressing risk factors and enhancing residents’ quality of life. By adhering to recommendations from the American Heart Association and the CDC, individuals can reduce heart disease risk, fostering longer and healthier lives.