Heart disease continued to be the leading cause of death in Morgan County in 2024, with 399 deaths recorded, according to the Morgan County Coroner’s Office. Of these fatalities, 372 were attributed to natural causes, with heart disease remaining the predominant contributor, followed by respiratory diseases and cancer.
The county’s statistics reflect a larger, concerning trend seen both at the state and national levels. Heart disease consistently ranks as the top cause of death across the United States, a fact that has prompted public health officials to encourage proactive health management among residents.
National and Statewide Context
Heart disease is a significant health issue nationwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the disease claims the life of one American every 33 seconds. In 2022, it was responsible for more than 700,000 deaths — roughly one in five fatalities across the country. In Illinois, heart disease accounted for over 26,000 deaths in 2021, with stroke-related deaths bringing the combined total to nearly 32,000, representing almost 27% of all state fatalities that year.
Local Insights from Health Experts
Dr. Drake Gashkoff, a family physician with Memorial Health in Morgan County, explained that the prevalence of heart disease in the region was not surprising. Many local residents have common risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes, all of which contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.
“It’s common, not just in Morgan County, but across the United States,” Dr. Gashkoff said. “I think it’s something we’ll continue to see in most counties.”
He emphasized the importance of recognizing the symptoms of heart disease, which can include chest pain, shortness of breath during physical exertion, and pain in areas such as the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, or back. Numbness or coldness in the extremities may also indicate narrowed blood vessels, a common sign of heart disease.
Preventive Measures and Health Management
Dr. Gashkoff stressed that heart disease is largely preventable through lifestyle changes. To reduce the risk, he recommended quitting tobacco use, adopting a healthy diet, maintaining a regular exercise routine, managing cholesterol levels, and controlling diabetes. However, he acknowledged that changing entrenched habits can be challenging and urged residents to be patient with themselves in their efforts to improve their health.
“We’re all working towards better healthcare outcomes, both individually and as a community,” Dr. Gashkoff said. “I would strongly encourage people to keep trying their best to modify the risk factors they can control.”
Conclusion
As the new year unfolds, health experts are hoping that greater awareness and lifestyle adjustments will help reduce the burden of heart disease on Morgan County’s residents. Despite the challenges, the emphasis remains on prevention, early detection, and community-wide efforts to improve overall health.
Related Topics
