The report, which was released today by the Hawai'i State Department of Health Community Health Division, represents the most recent compilation of data on cardiovascular disease in the state, according to a news release.

Cardiovascular disease is a group of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels, the two most common forms being heart disease and stroke.

The Department of Health hopes this report can be used to provide updated data to community programs that address CVD issues, educate the public on CVD health disparities, and encourage partnerships with chronic disease programs and groups that are closely linked to CVD, such as diabetes and tobacco prevention, according to the release.

"Cardiovascular disease is a serious, common and very costly disease," said health director Dr. Chiyome Fukino. "This report provides healthcare partners as well as individuals with updated data that can be used to help take tailored steps to minimize the risk and impact of cardiovascular disease."

This technical report presents data on CVD mortality, prevalence, hospitalizations and associated risk factors. The report was completed in collaboration with a number of community partners. Highlights of the report include findings that known risk factors for CVD include high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking. Another risk factor is low socioeconomic status, which is defined as adults who have an annual household income below $15,000, less than a high school education or are unemployed.

"While Hawai'i as a whole has a relatively low rate of cardiovascular disease in relation to the rest of the country, there are widespread disparities within our population that must be addressed," said Dr. Kalani Brady, American Heart Association O'ahu Metro board member. "If we don't address those risk factors and turn the tide, we could see death rates again increase."