Researchers at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center publish the first set of data from its RURAL Heart and Lung study. Lead Researcher Dr. Stephanie Broyles says the study gathered data in Assumption Parish.
“We’re presenting information on rates of heart attack and stroke, as well as how some of those numbers differ by age, income, education level,” Broyles explained.
Dr. Broyles says in cases where they saw differences, education levels, not income or age, stood out the most – but not in the way that people might expect.
“Undiagnosed high blood pressure was highest in people with higher education and lowest with people with lower education,” Broyles noted.
The study also finds that Assumption Parish residents who didn’t graduate from high school are more than twice as likely to have blood pressure and high cholesterol.
The data book for Assumption Parish is out now. Dr. Broyles’ team also collected data in Franklin Parish, and she says it was very important that that parish be included in the study.
“When we wrote the grant, Franklin actually had the highest rate of heart disease of any county in the U.S.,” Broyles said.
The data book for Assumption Parish is now available to explore.
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