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 2020, Essex had 13 deaths due to heart disease for every 10,000 residents. This was similar to the state rate and lower than the national rate of 17 per 10,000. Rates in Essex and the nation have declined about 36% since 2000, while the decline statewide was higher at 42% over the same time period.

How do we compare to similar counties?

The rate of heart disease deaths in Essex County in 2020 was similar to Lake County, IL (14 per 10,000), lower than Westchester, NY (15 per 10,000) and slightly higher than Middlesex, MA (11 per 10,000). All areas had greater declines in their rates than Essex since 2000, with Middlesex declining the most (45%), followed by Westchester (41%).

Notes about the data

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