Chronic Diseases Leading Cause of Death in Los Angeles County

According to a report the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services released, chronic diseases including heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes (in 2002) accounted for 80% of deaths and $48 billion in health care costs in Los Angeles County. The report found that heart disease and stroke accounted for 40% of premature deaths and were the leading causes of premature death and disability. In addition, the report found that a lower percentage of people in affluent communities in Los Angeles County die prematurely from heart disease or stroke than in lower-income communities.

"Premature Deaths from Heart Disease and Stroke in Los Angeles County: A Cities and Communities Health Report," January 2006, is available at
http://lapublichealth.org/epi/docs/CHR_CVH.pdf