The report also identified gender and racial/ethnic differences in heart disease prevalence. Men had a significantly higher prevalence than women (8.2 percent vs. 5 percent) for coronary heart disease or non-fatal heart attack, and angina. American Indians/Alaska Natives had the highest heart disease prevalence (11.2 percent) and Asians had the lowest prevalence (4.7 percent). There was little difference in heart disease prevalence among whites (6.9 percent), blacks (6.2 percent) or Hispanics (6.2 percent).

The report also identified differences in prevalence based on educational levels. Heart disease prevalence was nearly twice as high in individuals with fewer than 12 years of education (9.8 percent) compared to college graduates (5 percent).


CDC works with nearly 80 national organizations through the National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention to achieve national goals for preventing heart disease and stroke. Funding is provided to state health departments in 32 states and the District of Columbia to support educational programs, policies, environmental strategies and systems changes that address heart disease. CDC's WISEWOMAN program funds 15 projects across the country that provides low income, underinsured and uninsured women (aged 40-64 years) with risk factor screening, lifestyle intervention strategies and referral services.

For more information about heart disease, please visit the Division of Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention's Web site at www.cdc.gov/dhdsp.

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