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Facts
- In the United States, as
in most industrialized countries, non-communicable chronic diseases are the leading cause
of premature death and disability
- Heart disease continues
to be the number one cause of death in the United States, outnumbering deaths from all
cancers and injuries combined.
- Mortality from
cardiovascular disease accounts for about 40% of all U.S. deaths.
- While there has been an
overall decline in the rate of deaths due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) since the
1960's, CVD remains the leading cause of death in this country and the leading cause of
death in Maine.
- Maine's CVD mortality
rate in 1990 was 49% (4,533 people) of all deaths and Maine ranks twelfth in the nation
for its rate of cardiovascular disease.
- CVD also causes large
numbers of disabilities and accounts for significant expenses associated with hospital
care.
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Accomplishments
- Reduced the rate of
uncontrolled blood pressure in the Maine adult population by 33%
- Originated legislation
resulting in $20,000 per year for work site blood pressure programs.
- Worked with the American
Heart Association-Maine Affiliate and the Bureau of Health to prepare cholesterol
screening guidelines.
- Provided continuing
education programs for physicians, office nurses, community screening personnel, and other
health professionals.
- Educated health
professionals and the public through quarterly newsletters, workshops, publications, television, and newspapers.
- Actively supported
funding for new Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Community Programs, resulting in an
allocation of $100,000 to communities.
- Organized the Governor's
Annual Cardiovascular Health Summit.
- Provide staff support for
the Governor's Council on Physical Activity
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