According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and people living with heart disease face higher risk of serious illness as a result of COVID-19. CIVHC conducted an analysis of data from the Colorado All Payer Claims Database (CO APCD) to identify how heart disease varies across the state.
Shortly after the onset of COVID-19, CIVHC produced a report identifying populations at risk of serious illness to help the state and communities assess counties where people who contract COVID-19 may need expanded access to resources and care. In addition to those with serious heart disease, the report included risk factors by age and other chronic illnesses such as lung disease and liver disease, those living in a nursing home, tobacco users, and people who are immunocompromised.
Among the insured population in Colorado, 6% are diagnosed with a serious heart condition. The demographic breakdown of people with heart disease shows that it is more prevalent among men (7%) than women (5%), slightly more prevalent in urban (6%) than rural (5%) counties, and is significantly more prominent among Coloradans ages 65 and over (25%).
Looking deeper into the age groups by insurance coverage type reveals more variation among Coloradans diagnosed with serious heart conditions. In the age group of 45-65, which accounts for 6% of the total population affected by serious heart conditions, significantly more people have Medicaid as opposed to commercial insurance coverage.
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