Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease in the lungs that makes it difficult to breathe. It has no cure and occurs in people of all ages, likely from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Although symptoms are often mild and go away with minor treatment, severe asthma attacks often require emergency care and can be fatal.

On a neighborhood level, high rates of asthma-related Emergency Room visits may be an indication of poor air quality and/or delivery of health services. In these areas, educational campaigns regarding likely causes of asthma and strategies for management of symptoms could be useful in reducing the prevalence of serious asthma attacks.

Coronary Heart Disease

Cardiovascular disease refers to a number of conditions that involved blocked and narrowed blood vessels potentially causing heart problems. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, most often through heart attacks. Many individual habits influence the development of cardiovascular disease including poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking. 

On a neighborhood level, high rates of cardiovascular-related Emergency Room visits may be a sign of general health challenges perhaps impacted by environmental risks like poor air quality, limited access to healthcare services, or the need for public education on risk factors contributing to cardiovascular disease.