An Epidemic Essay -- Health, Coronary Heart Diseases

The focus of this research is coronary heart disease (CHD) and the vulnerable population in the community in Duval County, Jacksonville, Florida. To understand the population, one must be aware of the demographics of the community in question. Duval County is on the Northeast coast of Florida and has a population of over 900,000 (Duval County Health Department, Institute for Health Policy and Evaluation Research [DCHD], 2008). Of this population, 64.4% is white, 31.3% is black and 4.1% is other races (DCHD, 2008). Approximately 51% is female and 49% is male (DCHD, 2008). Duval County consists of suburban, rural, and urban areas and has a total of six health zones made up of zip codes (DCHD, 2008). The community in emphasis is The Clara White Mission and its surrounding area. The Clara White Mission is located in health zone one and their zip code is 32206. Health zone one is considered the most urban area in Duval County with a population density of 2766.5 people per mile compared health zone five being the most rural with a population density of 177.1 people per square mile (DCHD, 2008). Zone one also has the largest number of minority residents in Duval County, which is 83% of the population compared to the lowest minority in zone six with a population of 18% (DCHD, 2008). In Duval County 41% of all blacks live in zone one. Health zone one has the lowest average household income with $21,815 and the highest poverty level with 26% of the population living below poverty level in comparison health zone five has the highest average household income with $53,972 and the lowest poverty at a rate of 5% (DCHD, 2008). Duval County’s average household income is $41,118 (DCHD, 2008). In 2000, health zone one had the lowest e... ...ck, and 470,000 will have a recurrent attack this year (AHA, 2010). CHD makes up for more than half of all cardiovascular events in men and woman over the age of 75 years old (AHA, 2010). Furthermore, the lifetime risk for developing CHD after the age of 40 is 32% for women and 49% for men (AHA, 2010). In closing, it is apparent that the population, density, income and education, and race may be associated with the CHD mortality and morbidity rates in this population in Duval County. In addition, other factors may be associated with the CHD rates as well, such as behavioral risk factors and access to health care. We need to emphasize the health and wellness of the vulnerable population in the community of 32206 in Duval County. To help these individuals achieve healthy lifestyles and avoid or better manage CHD, for their future we need to create awareness.