Ohio cardiac death rate drops from 2005 to 2006

According to an analysis of statewide cardiac mortality statistics, which primarily include heart attacks, the cardiac mortality rate in Ohio was 199.3 deaths per 100,000 people last year, down from 224.2 in 2005. (Source: "Fatal heart attacks soar in Wood County," Toledo Blade, Oct. 29, 2007.) The analysis, based on Ohio Department of Health statistics and completed by Dr. William E. Feeman, Jr., showed that while the overall death rate from heart problems in the state fell, some counties reported a large increase in deaths. For example, Wood County had the 12th-highest cardiac mortality rate last year among all Ohio counties, up from a 38th ranking in 2005. According to Pamela Butler, commissioner of the Wood County health department, one explanation for Wood County's increase may be that 2006 was the first year death certificates in Ohio had to list a specific cause of death, not just "natural causes" or another vague explanation.