From the Heart: Data-Driven Ways to Improve Cardiovascular Health this February

February is American Heart Month, aligning with Valentine’s Day to remind us that caring for heart health is one of the most meaningful acts of love. Prevention and early intervention can save lives and protect the moments that matter most. 

According to the American Heart Association, on average, someone in the US dies of Cardiovascular disease (CVD) every 34 seconds. 2,510 US deaths from CVD each day. While that is an alarming statistic, heart disease and stroke are largely preventable through early risk factor detection, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and timely medical interventions.  

Prevalence of Chronic Disease Among Colorado Adults in 2024

The Cardiovascular Report in the Community Analytics Platform (CAP) is a powerful tool that helps your clinic assess patient population trends and identify timely opportunities for intervention. By leveraging this data, care teams can proactively educate patients on preventive strategies, encourage routine screenings, and support consistent medication adherence. 

Additional data insights in the Cardiovascular Report include: 

• Risk Factors (Diabetes, Family History, Hypertension, Obesity, etc.) 
• Prevention (Annual Wellness Visit, Lipid Panel, Nutrition Counseling, etc.) 
• Medication (ACE Inhibitors, Antihypertensives, Diuretics, Beta Blockers, etc.) 
• CVD Outcome (Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease, Ischemic Vascular Disease, Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Failure, etc.) 
• Interventions (Cardiac Surgery, Pacemaker or Defibrillator, Left Ventricular Assist Device, Heart Transplant) 
• Cause of Death (Cerebrovascular Disease, Heart Failure, Myocardial Infarction, Hypertensive Heart Disease, etc.) 
• Socio Demographic information 
• ADT Messages

Cardiovascular Disease in Colorado

Cardiac health outcomes often differ between rural and urban communities.  In Colorado, rural patients experience higher rates of heart attacks and heart disease related deaths than urban patients, as found in the 2026 Snapshot of Rural Health.  In addition to higher rates of heart attacks, there is a higher prevalence of risk factors in rural Colorado, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. 

 Addressing cardiac health requires targeted prevention, improved access to care, and timely and often innovative solutions such as community-based programs, campaigns, and/or telehealth options, to reduce these disparities and improve heart health. The CAP provides robust data that enables your clinic to make informed, strategic, and meaningful decisions to best support this population. 

Want to use data to improve outcomes in your community?

We can help!  Your participation in the Rural Connectivity Program allows you access to CRHC’s team of Quality Improvement Specialists, who are available to support your team in improving your community’s healthcare outcomes. Our RCP team provides technical assistance tailored to your clinic’s specific goals. We’re here every step of the way to make sure you get the most out of this platform for your organization.

For more information about the reports available in the CAP, contact the Rural Connectivity Team at ruralconnect@coruralhealth.org.