In the News--Missouri is one of "Stroke Belt" states.

How does my home state, Missouri compare to the nation?  http://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/chronic/heartandstroke/HeartStrokeBurden03-09Update.pdf

In the decade of 1995-2005, the number of deaths among Missouri residents was higher than many Americans.    In 1995, Missourians died at 8% higher rate due to strokes than the rest of the country.  In 2005, the number of Missourians who died from stroke was 6% higher than the rest of the nation. 

When looking at heart disease, Missouri again ranks higher than the nation as a whole.  While the number of deaths declined in the 1995-2005 decade, Missouri still ranks higher for heart disease and deaths than the nation as a whole.  In 1995 Missouri’s mortality rate from heart disease was 9% higher than the USA as a whole.  In 2005, Missouri’s mortality rate from heart disease was still 8.5% higher.  Missouri women die from heart disease at a higher rate than men (that is true for the nation as well). 

This report looked at risk factors which researchers called ‘pretty complex.’  We know that hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol ranked higher for Missouri residents than the rest of the country and researchers consider them both to be risk factors for heart disease.  When the researchers looked at diabetes as a risk factor, Missouri residents equaled (not exceeded) the rest of the nation for this risk factor.  

Missourians smoked more, were overweight or obese in larger numbers while we (I include myself) were less likely to exercise, and did not eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. 

While this headline does show significant risks for Missouri residents, we have recently discussed  several lifestyle behaviors we can add to our quest for a healthy lifestyle. (See February 29 blog post.)