Beyond the Objective: Wisconsin Reaching Ischemic Heart Disease Mortality Objective Despite a Third of Counties Not Meeting the Goal

Samantha Aisen, MPH

WMJ. 2019;118(4):182-186.

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ABSTRACT

Introduction: Ischemic heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with some geographic groups being more affected than others. A Healthy People 2020 objective exists to reduce ischemic heart disease mortality.

Methods: This study examined ischemic heart disease mortality in Wisconsin by county and 4 county categories, based on an urban to rural spectrum, and observed progress towards the Healthy People 2020 objective.

Results: Ischemic heart disease mortality rates have been decreasing. Currently, 67% of Wisconsin counties meet the objective; however, 71% of counties not meeting the objective are more rural.

Discussion: Although further investigation is needed to better understand the factors that cause disparities, more resources should be directed towards communities at highest risk.

Author Affiliation: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis (Aisen).

Corresponding Author: Samantha Aisen, MPH; email saisen@wisc.edu.

Acknowledgements: I would like to thank Patrick Remington, MD, MPH, for reviewing this paper and providing advice and guidance throughout the research process.

Funding/Support: None declared.

Financial Disclosures: None declared.

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