New study reveals heart disease deaths in Oklahoma are among the highest in the U.S.

Despite being associated with older generations, cases of Type 2 Diabetes among young Americans have increased 10-fold, which, if left unmanaged, can lead to heart disease, which is expected to affect over 60% of American adults by 2050 and remains the country’s biggest killer.1

In light of this, a new study from telehealth provider NiceRx analyzed the states with the highest heart disease death rates, how the number of deaths has changed over time, and the percentage of overall deaths as a result of heart disease across the country to reveal the most and least affected states.

You can view the study here: https://www.nicerx.com/blog/heart-disease-in-america/

The states with the highest heart disease death rates

Oklahoma records 250.7 heart disease deaths per 100,000 people, the highest rate in the country and 50.8% above the national average. Diet may be one reason why the state ranks so poorly. Just 3.8% of adults in Oklahoma eat the recommended five daily portions of fruit and vegetables, the lowest share in the country. Eating five portions a day has been linked to a 20% lower risk of coronary heart disease, meaning most residents are missing out on a key protective factor.

Mississippi records 235.6 heart disease deaths per 100,000 people, making it the second-worst-affected state in the country. The state also has one of the highest obesity rates nationwide, with 40.4% of adults classified as obese. Excess weight increases the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, all of which can contribute to heart disease.

Alabama records 227.3 heart disease deaths per 100,000 people, 36.7% above the national average. Several lifestyle factors may be contributing to the state’s high rate. Around 38.9% of adults are obese, only 4.8% eat the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables each day, and 14% smoke, all of which are linked to poorer heart health.

The study also revealed:

• Despite ranking 21st overall for heart disease deaths per 100,000 people, New Mexico stands out for how quickly its death rate has risen. Although New Mexico’s overall death rate remains slightly below the national average, the pace of increase is notable. In fact, its rise is 1.6 percentage points higher than Iowa, the state with the second-fastest increase.

Rob Stransky, President at NiceRx, has shared the warning signs Americans should know to reduce the risk of heart disease.

“There are several early symptoms to watch out for, as these could be early indicators of the disease.

• Chest discomfort. One of the main symptoms of heart disease is chest discomfort. Tightness, pressure or pain in the chest that is worsened by physical activity needs to be checked by a doctor.

• Dizziness or fainting. Another red flag is dizziness or fainting, especially during or after exercise. If these symptoms are a recurring issue, then early stages of heart disease could be a driving factor, so it’s important to be aware.

• Shortness of breath. Shortness of breath is common during and after exercise, but this shouldn’t occur during day-to-day life. If you encounter breathing difficulty when completing minor tasks, such as household chores, this needs to be investigated.

“More than 172 million U.S. adults are living overweight or with obesity, and carrying excess weight can increase the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes, all of which place added strain on the heart. Over time, this can significantly raise the risk of serious complications such as heart attacks and strokes.

“Losing weight is not always straightforward, particularly for people who have struggled for years to manage their weight through diet and exercise alone. Sustainable lifestyle changes remain the foundation, including eating a balanced diet, staying active, reducing processed foods, and improving sleep. But for some people, medically guided weight-loss support can also play an important role.

“Treatments such as affordable compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are increasingly being used as part of a broader weight management strategy. When used alongside healthier lifestyle habits and under appropriate clinical guidance, these treatments may help overweight people and those with obesity lose weight, and in turn, help in preventing heart disease.”

NiceRx is a US-based healthcare company that helps patients access prescription treatments and clinically guided support through a fully online service.

Sources:

1 – Bethesda Medical Associates