Correlation vs. Causation

When we look at the map at left, showing cardiac related deaths during 2013 compared to Waffle House locations, our immediate thought is that the fast food chain is causing cardiac arrest.  And, given that they serve up mass quantities of low-grade, highly processed breakfast foods, that’s certainly possible.

But what if there is something about the people of that part of the country and their lifestyles that is more responsible for heart disease? Obesity, poor healthcare, poverty, poor education that leads to little access to important health-related information.