Hypertension-related mortality and morbidity in the southeast

D T Lackland1, M A Moore

  • 1Department of Biometry and Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA.

Southern Medical Journal
|February 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

The U.S. Southeast, known as the "stroke belt," faces high mortality from cerebrovascular disease and other hypertension-related conditions like diabetes and heart disease. This study profiles these risks to guide future research and interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Disease Research

Background:

  • Geographic disparities in adverse health outcomes are well-documented in the U.S., particularly in the Southeast.
  • The Southeast has been identified as the

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a descriptive profile of hypertensive end-organ diseases in the Southeastern U.S.
  • To guide research efforts and assess changes in health outcomes and risks in the region.

Main Methods:

  • Descriptive analysis of health outcome data for the Southeastern U.S.
  • Examination of mortality rates and risk factors for cerebrovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and end-stage renal disease.

Main Results:

  • The Southeast exhibits high mortality rates for cerebrovascular disease, earning it the name

Conclusions:

  • The study confirms elevated risks for stroke, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and end-stage renal disease in parts of the Southeast.
  • Understanding these geographic variations and trends is crucial for targeted public health interventions.

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