Alabama has the third highest rate of heart disease related deaths in the country, according to the most recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In 2022, nearly 15,000 Alabamians died from heart disease. That comes out to a rate of 234.2 deaths per 100,000 population.

It is the leading cause of death in Alabama, outranking cancer and all other diseases.

Oklahoma and Mississippi are the only two states that surpass Alabama with death rates of 257.1 and 248 respectively.

Heart disease has been the leading cause of death nationwide since 1950, according to the CDC. And it is also currently the leading cause of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

Risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, overweight and obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use.

And Dr. Regina Druz, a cardiologist at the Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island, previously told Healthline that the modern world creates a ‘perfect storm’ for all of these factors.

Dr. Michael Miller, a cardiology professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, suggested some ways for people to combat high stress levels and stagnant lifestyles that lead to increased risk.

“What we aren’t doing enough is getting up and out, spending quality time with loved ones daily, and smelling the roses,” he said.

“We also need ‘me time’ to recharge, so I tell my patients to spend at least 15 minutes by themselves to collect their thoughts, whether by meditation or shutting off the radio while in the car.”

The impact of COVID

Although heart disease has been an ongoing issue around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a spike in rates that health experts anticipate continuing for years to come.

“COVID-19 has taken a huge toll on human life worldwide…but its influence will directly and indirectly impact rates of cardiovascular disease prevalence and deaths for years to come,” Dr. Salim S. Virani, an associate professor in cardiology Baylor College of Medicine, said in a 2021 article published by the American Heart Association.

“Research is showing that the unique coronavirus can cause damage to the heart. Importantly, we also know people have delayed getting care for heart attacks and strokes, which can result in poorer outcomes.”

He continued that the bigger issue would be increased cardiovascular health risks associated with unhealthy lifestyle behaviors exacerbated by the pandemic.

“The extraordinary circumstances of dealing with COVID-19 have changed the way we live, including adopting unhealthy behaviors that are known to increase the risk of heart disease and stroke,” he said.

“Unhealthy eating habits, increased consumption of alcohol, lack of physical activity and the mental toll of quarantine isolation and even fear of contracting the virus all can adversely impact a person’s risk for cardiovascular health. We’ll need to watch and address these trends as the full ramifications will likely be felt for many years to come.”

How can people combat their risk?

Dr. Nicole Lohr, director of the division of cardiovascular disease at UAB and co-director of the UAB Medicine Cardiovascular Institute (CVI), said regular checkups, daily movement, and a balanced diet are all good ways to take care of your heart.

“Remember, you can make a difference in your heart health,” she said.

“Be active (30 min of moderate activity 5 times a week), avoid a diet which is high in salt, carbohydrates, and high fat foods in favor of fresh vegetables, lean protein.”

“If you’re smoking work with your doctor to stop. Measure your blood pressure, and call if it is consistently over 130/80. A good night of sleep helps too.”

If you have access to regular medical care, she also suggested working with your provider on a long-term plan.

“Seeing your primary care doctor is the best place to start,” she said.

“Focus with your doctor to understand your 10-year or lifetime risk of having a cardiac event. They can optimize lowering blood pressure, weight, blood sugars and cholesterol. If you have some risk but are unsure, a coronary artery calcium scan can help us further define your cardiac risk.”

For links to free heart health resources visit the American Heart Assocation’s Alabama page at https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/alabama.