Demographic Group: | All resident persons. |
Numerator: | Deaths with International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes I00–I78 (ICD-9 code 390–448) as the underlying cause of death among residents during a calendar year. |
Denominator: | Midyear resident population for the same calendar year. |
Measures of Frequency: | Annual number of deaths. Annual mortality rate — crude and age-adjusted (standardized by the direct method to the year 2000 standard U.S. population, distribution 1*) — with 95% confidence interval. |
Time Period of Case Definition: | Calendar year. |
Background: | Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of death in the United States, accounting for approximately 40% (936,900 in 2000) of all deaths each year. The age-adjusted rate among males (407.3/100,000) is greater than the age-adjusted rate among females (288.4/100,000). |
Significance: | Modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease include behaviors (e.g., tobacco use, physical inactivity, and improper nutrition), health status (e.g., hypertension, hyperlipidemia, overweight, or diabetes), and policies (e.g., smoking policies in restaurants and worksites). Substantial differences in CVD death rates exist by race, age, sex, place of residence, and other demographic factors. |
Limitations of Indicator: | CVD is not a single disease, but rather multiple diseases with different causes, risks, and potential interventions. Interpretation of trends or patterns in mortality from cardiovascular disease can be made only by examination of specific types of cardiovascular disease. Because certain types of cardiovascular disease have a long latency period, years might pass before changes in behavior or clinical practice affect CVD mortality. Certain types of CVD (e.g., valvular and congenital heart disease) are not amenable to primary prevention or screening. |
Data Resources: | Death certificate data from vital statistics agencies (numerator) and population estimates from the U.S. Bureau of the Census or suitable alternative (denominator). http://wonder.cdc.gov |
Limitations of Data Resources: | Causes of death and other variables listed on the death certificate might be inaccurate. |
Healthy People 2010 Objectives: | No objective. |