Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke Among American Indians and Alaska Natives

Abstract

As the nation's prevention agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is committed to reducing the burden of heart disease and stroke, which are the first and third leading causes of death and major contributors to disability in the United States. These two cardiovascular diseases are largely preventable, and targeted public health efforts can help reduce their impact. The Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke Among American Indians and Alaska Natives is the fourth in a series of CDC atlases related to cardiovascular disease. However, it is the first to focus on geographic patterns of heart disease and stroke mortality and risk factors for a specific racial/ethnic group in the United States. The Atlas provides insights into the geographic disparities in heart disease and stroke experienced by American Indians and Alaska Natives. The maps present county–by–county heart disease and stroke mortality rates, as well as state–specific prevalences of eight major risk factors for heart disease and stroke.