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 2016, Essex had 13 deaths due to heart disease for every 10,000 residents. This was the same as the state rate and lower than the national rate of 17 per 10,000. Rates in Essex and the state have declined about 39% since 2000, and the national decline was lower at 36% over the same time period.

How do we compare to similar counties?

The rate of heart disease deaths in Essex County in 2016 was similar to Westchester, NY (15 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 from 2000-16, with Lake declining the most (45%), followed by Westchester (42%), and Middlesex (40%).

Notes about the data

Rates have been adjusted for differences in age and gender among the geographies.