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Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, such as heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism.

CVD is the leading cause of death globally, and the World Health Organization estimates that it takes an estimated 20 million lives each year. In Michigan, heart disease has been the leading cause of death for more than a decade.

The MDHHS cardiovascular health epidemiologist supports the Cardiovascular Health, Nutrition, and Physical Activity (CVHNPA) Section by monitoring trends in cardiovascular disease, hospitalization, mortality, comorbidities, and behavioral factors among Michigan adults. Surveillance is also conducted to track disparities in health outcomes and healthcare utilization by various characteristics, including race/ethnicity, sex assigned at birth, gender, age, socioeconomic status, geography, disability status, and other characteristics.

The following sections include information about cardiovascular disease and associated conditions. To learn more and see data about a particular topic, click on a topic heading.

For more information, or to get accessibility assistance reading any of these documents, please contact MDHHS Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention Unit Secretary Kelly Garrow (email: GarrowK@michigan.gov).