Most Important Variables Correlated To Cardiovascular Disease Death Rates Over Time

How to Use the Map

Use the slider below the map to explore data across different years. The map will update to show the most important variables correlated with cardiovascular disease death rates for the selected year. Click on any county to zoom in, and click again to open a county unique page with detailed information. Use the search bar above the map to search for specific counties by name or FIPS code.

2015

Description

This project visualizes the most important social determinants of health correlated with cardiovascular disease death rates across U.S. counties over time. By integrating real-world data and predictive forecasts, the map highlights key variables such as years of potential life lost rate, uninsured rates, and more, providing users with a dynamic tool to explore associations between these factors and health disparities at the county level.

Key features of this project include:

Yearly Data Visualization: Users can explore data across different years, from 2015 to 2023, and examine forecasted trends for 2024 and 2025. The color-coded map provides an intuitive way to understand which social determinants are most strongly correlated with cardiovascular health outcomes in each county.

In Depth Unique County Information: Users can click on counties to zoom into a specific county. Once the user clicks into a zoomed county, the website will bring up a county-specific page displaying a line chart of death rates (including a forecast), and the most important variables for each year.

Interactive Search and Navigation: The map allows users to search for specific counties by name or FIPS code, providing an easy way to zoom in on areas of interest. The interactive legend helps users filter the map to focus on particular health determinants.

Forecasting Future Trends: By incorporating forecast data, users can gain insights into how the most critical health determinants are expected to change, helping policymakers and health professionals make informed decisions about future interventions.

This project serves as a valuable tool for public health officials, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding and addressing the factors associated with cardiovascular disease at the local level. The data used for this project is a combination of County Health Rankings Data for all social determinants of health variables, CDC Wonder's database for cause of circulatory system deaths, and County Population Totals from The U.S. Census Bureau.

Variable Description

Variable Description
# associations_per_1000 The number of social, civic, and religious associations per 1,000 population, indicating levels of community engagement and social capital. Higher levels of social involvement are linked to better health outcomes, including reduced morbidity and mortality.
# chlamydia cases_per_1000 The number of newly diagnosed chlamydia cases per 1,000 population, reflecting the prevalence of this sexually transmitted infection. Higher rates indicate greater risk for reproductive health issues and health inequities in underserved communities.
# dentists_per_1000 The number of dentists per 1,000 population, which reflects access to dental care. Adequate dental provider availability is crucial to preventing and treating oral health issues that can lead to more serious health conditions.
# driving deaths_per_1000 The number of deaths resulting from motor vehicle crashes per 1,000 population, highlighting the safety and driving behaviors in the community. High rates are often linked to impaired driving, lack of seatbelt use, and distracted driving.
# injury deaths_per_1000 The number of deaths due to injuries per 1,000 population, measuring the fatality rate from both intentional and unintentional injuries. This metric provides insight into community safety and the effectiveness of injury prevention measures.
# primary care physicians_per_1000 The number of primary care physicians per 1,000 population, indicating the availability of essential healthcare services. Access to primary care is vital for preventive health and managing chronic conditions.
# some college_per_1000 The number of people per 1,000 population who have attended some college but have not earned a degree. This measure reflects educational attainment levels, which are strongly associated with better health outcomes and economic opportunities.
# uninsured_per_1000 The number of people per 1,000 population who lack health insurance, reflecting barriers to healthcare access and financial security. Lack of insurance can lead to delayed care, worsening health outcomes, and financial strain.
# unemployed_per_1000 The number of unemployed individuals per 1,000 population, which reflects economic conditions and job availability. Unemployment is linked to negative health outcomes, including increased mortality rates.
# workers who drive alone_per_1000 The number of workers per 1,000 population who commute alone by car, indicating reliance on private vehicles. High rates can suggest limited transportation options and are associated with lower physical activity levels.
% children in poverty The percentage of children under 18 living in households with incomes below the poverty line, reflecting socioeconomic conditions that impact long-term health and well-being.
% long commute - drives alone The percentage of workers who drive alone for 30 minutes or more to work, indicating commuting patterns that can contribute to stress and reduce physical activity levels.
% physically inactive The percentage of adults who report no physical activity during their leisure time, a significant risk factor for chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
% severe housing problems The percentage of households facing severe housing issues, including overcrowding, high housing costs, and lack of basic amenities. Poor housing conditions are closely linked to various health problems.
20th percentile income The income level below which 20% of the population falls, providing insight into the economic challenges faced by lower-income residents.
80th percentile income The income level below which 80% of the population falls, reflecting the higher end of the income distribution in the community.
average daily pm2.5 The average daily concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air, which is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular health issues, particularly in communities exposed to higher pollution levels.
food environment index A composite measure ranging from 0 (worst) to 10 (best) that evaluates factors contributing to a healthy food environment, including access to healthy foods and food security.
income ratio The ratio of income at the 80th percentile to income at the 20th percentile, used to assess income inequality within a population, which can have broad health impacts, including increased mortality and poor health outcomes.
teen birth rate The number of live births per 1,000 females aged 15-19, reflecting adolescent reproductive health and related social factors.
years of potential life lost rate The rate of years of potential life lost before age 75 per 100,000 population, focusing on premature mortality and the impact of preventable early deaths.