What does this measure?

The number of deaths per year due to heart disease, expressed as a rate per 10,000 residents.

Why is this important?

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and in Massachusetts. Mortality rates for specific causes of death can show to what extent a community is embracing advances in prevention, care, and treatment of specific ailments.

How is our county doing?

In 2024, Essex had 17 deaths due to heart disease for every 10,000 residents, similar to the state rate of 16 per 10,000, and sligtly lower than the national rate of 19. The rate in Essex declined 11% from 2015 when it was 19 per 10,000 mirroring a similar decline at the state level.

How do we compare to similar counties?

The rate of heart disease deaths in Essex County in 2024 was similar to Westchester County, NY (18 per 10,000), and higher than Middlesex, MA (14 per 10,000) and Lake County, IL (13 per 10,000). Rates declined among all counties from 2015 to 2024; Westchester's rates declined the most at -14%.

Notes about the data

None.