| HEALTH STATUS - Morbidity |
40 |
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both males and females in the U.S. and a chronic condition that affects millions of American adults. According to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), the prevalence of heart disease in both men and women climbs significantly with increasing age. In 1995, the rate of heart disease was approximately three times higher among women aged 45-64 than among those under 45, and nearly seven times higher in women aged 65-74 than among those under 45. For women 75 years and older, the disease rate reached 318.0 per 1,000 persons in 1995, or nine times higher than the rate in women under 45 years.
The NHIS data show differences in heart disease prevalence between younger and older women and men. Among U.S. adults under 45 years, women had higher rates of heart disease than men in 1995. However, this trend reversed in middle-aged and older adults when heart disease was more prevalent among men.
High blood pressure, obesity, and smoking are significant risk factors for developing heart disease. Health professionals recommend modifying behaviors such as smoking, diet, and exercise to prevent onset or further progression of the disease.