What does this measure?
The number of deaths per year due to heart disease, expressed as an age-adjusted rate per 10,000 residents.
Why is this important?
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and the second leading cause in Massachusetts. Mortality rates for specific causes of death can show to what extent a community is embracing advances in prevention, care, and treatment of specific ailments.
How is our county doing?
In 2018, Essex had 14 deaths due to heart disease for every 10,000 residents. This was similar to the state rate and lower than the national rate of 16 per 10,000. Rates in Essex and the state have declined about 36% since 2000, and the state decline was higher at 40% over the same time period.
How do we compare to similar counties?
The rate of heart disease deaths in Essex County in 2018 was similar to Westchester, NY (14 per 10,000), and slightly higher than Lake, IL and Middlesex, MA (each 12 per 10,000). All areas had greater declines in their rates than Essex since 2000, with Lake and Westchester declining the most (each 45%), followed by Middlesex (43%).
Notes about the data
Rates have been adjusted for differences in age and gender among the geographies.