This February, during American Heart Month, I am reflecting on the significant impact cardiovascular disease has on the Deep South and the state of Alabama.
Heart disease is often tragic and is a leading cause of death in Alabama. In 2022, 15,000 Alabamians died from heart disease, according to the CDC. In 2023, 12.4% of adults in Alabama reported being told by a health professional that they had angina, coronary heart disease, heart attack, or stroke, compared to the national average of 8.5%. Several factors contribute to this elevated risk, including living with other chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Lifestyle factors like smoking contribute, as do socioeconomic factors such as lack of access to healthy foods and transportation, and—especially in rural areas—proximity to health care.
Regionally, it is critical that UAB remain at the forefront of advancing cardiovascular health for Alabamians. We are doing this through excellence in research, exceptional clinical care, comprehensive education, and community outreach. For the last 15 years, UAB Cardiology has been listed as one of the “Top 50” programs by U.S. News and World Report. I am proud of the robust effort put forth by our clinicians and staff required to remain in the Top 50.
Another key aspect of leading cardiovascular health is having modern spaces and advanced equipment and technology. Our facilities help us put the patient first. The UAB Heart and Vascular Center is one of the largest centers of its kind in the Southeast. Its cutting-edge resources make it one of the first to integrate multiple services, including electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, neuro-interventional radiology, pediatric cardiology, and vascular interventional radiology. In the same way, Kirklin Clinic also hosts several cardiovascular clinics, including the General Cardiology Clinic, which has highly specialized physicians who are experts in specific heart and vascular conditions, the UAB Hypertension Clinic, and the UAB Pulmonary Vascular Disease Clinic.
Cardiovascular teams at UAB are committed to engaging with the community and meeting those in need where they are. The Comprehensive Cardiovascular Center, directed by Nicole L. Lohr, M.D., Ph.D., is currently growing their community engagement partnerships and ensuring that Alabamians receive heart screenings in their communities. Last fall, the center partnered with several Birmingham organizations to host a community health fair in Bessemer that included blood pressure screenings, heart health education, diabetes education, and more.
Other programs throughout Heersink, such as the Forge AHEAD Center, a regional comprehensive research center dedicated to advancing the prevention and management of cardiometabolic diseases, help bridge the gap between innovative solutions in cardiometabolic research and patient care. The center partners with researchers at UAB, Tuskegee University, University of Mississippi Medical Center, and Louisiana State University to support projects focused on heart health, obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
As we commemorate Heart Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to combating cardiovascular disease through our integrated efforts in each of our three mission areas. No matter what is going on in the world, our faculty, staff, and trainees are resolute in their focus on our mission, vision, and values. Excellent cardiovascular patient care, research, and training is critical to serving those in our communities.
Together, we can make a profound impact on the heart health of our community and pave the way for a healthier future.