Heart Health: Statistical Analysis Uncovers Most Significant Risk Factors of Coronary Heart Disease
By Hersh Nanda
Heart disease or cardiovascular disease - are two words that a patient prays not to hear during diagnosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for men and women across most racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. CVD is the grim reaper of diseases, accounting for approximately 655,000 deaths annually, or 25% of all deaths in America (pre-COVID-19 pandemic). Besides the toll on human life, the financial impact is equally devastating. US annual cost of heart disease is $219 Billion including cost of health services, medicines, and lost productivity … This case study reports the results of a research project to gather insights into heart disease lifestyle and risk factors using statistical analysis that is generally used to improve product and service quality in companies. This research aimed to answer the following: what does the statistical analysis of CDC data from all US states reveal? What known facts does it affirm? What new risk factors does it uncover? What does it reveal about combined effects of these risk factors?