People in counties with worse economies are more likely to die from heart disease

Communities in the United States that experienced the most economic distress in the wake of the Great Recession saw a significant increase in death rates from heart disease and strokes among middle-aged people. While the death rates remained nearly unchanged in counties with the least economic distress, areas experiencing worsening economic trends saw a sharp increase, from 122 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2010 to 127.6 deaths in 2015.