Millions of Americans suffer from some form of heart disease. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 600,000 people die due to heart disease every year in America – that is a full one-fourth of the average numbers of deaths each year. Approximately 720,000 people per year have a heart attack. Heart disease is a serious public health concern.
One of the most concerning aspects of heart disease, beyond the death and discomfort it causes, is the cost. The CDC has stated that heart disease costs about $109 billion each year in lost productivity and medical costs.
Although heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, the occurrence of heart disease does differ slightly by ethnicity. Heart disease occurs in black and white people at about the same rate, but it occurs slightly less often in Hispanic people. American Indians have the lowest rate. Heart disease is also much more prevalent throughout the South and the Midwest than it is in other parts of the country. And what is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease? – Smoking. Having a poor diet and using alcohol in excess can also lead to heart disease.
Many people who are suffering from heart disease are unable to work due to at least a partial disability from the condition. For these individuals, applying for Social Security Disability benefits could be an option. Qualifying for SSD benefits could help millions of people who are facing high medical expenses associated with the care and treatment of heart disease.
Source: www.cdc.gov, “Heart Disease Facts,” Accessed Jan. 25, 2015
