Cardiovascular Diseases affect the structure or function of the heart and blood vessels. It is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.
Use this page to review data on the built environment, see images and stories about this topic, hear voices from our key informant survey and add your voice to the journey.
The NJHC data committee is collecting data to help us develop shared plans for improving community health. Take a minute and review the indicators, images, stories and resources associated with cardiovascular diseases.
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Morris County:
Data shows that heart disease continues to be a challenge in Morris County. Of specific concern are those 65 and older, represented by the Medicare Population, where rates are higher than the majority of U.S. Counties for the following diseases: Ischemic Heart Disease (coronary artery disease – a hardening of the arteries due to cholesterol plaque), Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol in the blood stream), Atrial Fibrillation (an abnormal heart rhythm, characterized by an irregular beating), Hypertension (high blood pressure), and Heart Failure (where the heart is unable to pump blood at the rate that is necessary to meet the needs of the body). There is a lack of data available now on cardiovascular disease in the younger population (under 65 years of age).
On a positive note, the age adjusted death rate due to heart disease (157.1 per 100,000 lives) is lower than the majority of New Jersey Counties; however, rates for both Males and Black individuals are higher than the county average (Data is not available about differences in rates for individuals of varying incomes). Additionally, Morris does not meet the NJ2020 goal for this indicator (112.1 per 100,000 lives).
Data from the 2013 Community Health Needs Assessment also showed that 3.3% of adults reported having suffered a heart attack, and 5.6% report being diagnosed with heart disease.
Stroke data is included within the section on Neurological Diseases.
Union County:Data shows that heart disease continues to be a challenge in Union County. Of specific concern are those 65 and older, represented by the Medicare Population, where rates are higher than 75% of U.S. Counties for the following diseases: Ischemic Heart Disease (coronary artery disease – a hardening of the arteries due to cholesterol plaque), Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol in the blood stream), Atrial Fibrillation (an abnormal heart rhythm, characterized an irregular beating), and Heart Failure (where the heart is unable to pump blood at the rate that is necessary to meet the needs of the body). Union County also has higher rates of Hypertension (high blood pressure) in the Medicare population than the majority of U.S. Counties. There is a lack of data available now on cardiovascular disease in the younger population (under 65 years of age).
On a positive note, the age adjusted death rate due to heart disease (173.6 per 100,000 lives) is lower than the majority of New Jersey Counties; however, rates for both Males and Black individuals are higher than the county average. (Data is not available about differences in rates for individuals of varying incomes). Additionally, Union does not meet the NJ2020 goal for this indicator (112.1 per 100,000 lives).
Data from the 2013 Community Health Needs Assessment also showed that 4.4% of adults reported having suffered a heart attack, and 4.8% report being diagnosed with heart disease.
Stroke data is included within the section on Neurological Diseases.
Sussex County:Data shows that heart disease continues to be a challenge in Sussex County. Of specific concern are those 65 and older, represented by the Medicare Population, where rates are higher than 50% of U.S. Counties for Ischemic Heart Disease (coronary artery disease – a hardening of the arteries due to cholesterol plaque), and higher than 75% of U.S. Counties for Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol in the blood stream) and for Atrial Fibrillation (an abnormal heart rhythm, characterized an irregular beating). Sussex County also has higher rates of Hypertension (high blood pressure) in the Medicare population than the majority of U.S. Counties. There is a lack of data available now on cardiovascular disease in the younger population (under 65 years of age).
In addition, the age adjusted death rate due to heart disease (184.3 per 100,000 lives) is higher than 50% of New Jersey Counties, and rates for Males are higher than the county average. (Data is not available about differences in rates for individuals of varying incomes and races/ethnicities). Additionally, Sussex does not meet the NJ2020 goal for this indicator (112.1 per 100,000 lives).
On a positive note, Heart Failure in the Medicare population is lower in Sussex County than in the majority of New Jersey Counties.
Data from the 2013 Community Health Needs Assessment also showed that 5% of adults reported having suffered a heart attack, and 5% report being diagnosed with heart disease.
Stroke data is included within the section on Neurological Diseases.
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NJHC is collecting images, stories and videos that "Show Us What Health Looks Like".Click here to learn more and share your perspective.
"Meeting the needs of patients with Cardiovascular diseases."
"Free Flow - A strong heart, with free and clear arteries is a healthy heart." -
We asked leaders across North Jersey to share with us their perspective on what is working and what is not in producing healthy communities. Don't see your perspective here yet? Add your voice by answering a few brief questions.
What's Working?
- “Posters for stroke awareness, newsletters from CES-Stroke awareness, CPR/First aid courses.”
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“We are providing a structured and supervised program for cancer survivors to rebuild cardiovascular endurance as well as muscle strength and range of motion.”
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“Monthly blood pressure screenings.”
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“[We do] monthly blood pressure screenings, quarterly blood glucose screenings.”
What Needs to Change
- “Funding Phase III Cardio Rehab program for patients recovering from heart disease and open heart surgery.”
To download the full Key Informant results, click here. -
Have a program, initiative or strategy that is working to reduce cancer risk in North Jersey? Share it on our Key Informant Survey, and we'll get it listed here.
Ischemic Heart Disease: Medicare Population
This indicator shows the percentage of Medicare beneficiaries who were treated for ischemic heart disease.
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for persons aged 65 years or older, persons under age 65 years with certain disabilities, and persons of any age with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Data Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
