Source: WNC Healthy Impact Community Health Survey, 2015-2021
Eight percent (8%) of adults in WNC have been diagnosed with heart disease in 2021. The following adult populations were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with heart disease in WNC:
(WNCHN – WNC Healthy Impact Community Health Survey, 2021)
Differences in health outcomes across social groups, economic status, and racial/ethnic identity are closely linked with disparities in social determinants of health, which disproportionately burden individuals and communities who experience systemic disadvantage and/or discrimination. See our data story on the social determinants of health to learn more about how the conditions in which people are born, live, work, play, learn, worship, and age can influence their ability to achieve good health for themselves and their families.
(WNCHN – WNC Healthy Impact Community Health Survey, 2021)
Source: WNC Healthy Impact Community Health Survey, 2015-2021
(N.C. State Center for Health Statistics, 2020)
Source: WNC Healthy Impact Community Health Survey, 2015-2019
Source: NC SCHS 2012-2016 | Geographic Unit: Census Tract | Map Produced by: NC SCHS
Source: WNC Healthy Impact Community Health Survey, 2012-2021
In 2016, North Carolina had a rate of 155.8 heart disease related deaths (per 100,000 population) compared to the US at 165.5.
By 2030, almost half (43.9%) of the US adult population is projected to have some form of Cardiovascular Disease.
In 2016, hospitalization charges for heart disease in North Carolina cost an estimated $5.1 billion dollars.
Source: WNCHN – Online Key Informant Survey, 2018
The information in this section should be interpreted and used with care. It should be used only to help local health departments and agencies begin to understand community perceptions about local health issues. Communities are strongly encouraged to collect their own, local-level data to inform local planning and evaluation activities.
“Employee health programs at the school system and county level reshaping culture to promote healthy lifestyles and allowing time for employees to go for a walk or other activities. Education programs surrounding healthier food choices. Efforts to increase parks in town.”
“Diabetic and healthy weight-related information is being more effectively communicated.”
“[A local care management program], serving the uninsured with a primary care home, getting people in for risk assessments and annual wellness visits.”
“People are oftentimes too busy with daily living to give it a thought. They think the possible bad implications are too far down the road to worry with it now. Often, people are only jolted when a cardiac event happens in their immediate family or to a close friend.”
“High deductibles or no health insurance prevents people from being tested. People might not even know they have heart problems until it’s too late.”
The western North Carolina region includes 17 communities: 16 counties and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI)
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