MACKAY has been ranked one of the worst areas in the state for risky alcohol consumption.

The 2014 Chief Health Officer report released yesterday showed 28% of people within the Mackay Hospital and Health Service area were drinking large amounts of alcohol, which could affect their health.

The guideline for remaining under the risk level of alcohol consumption for both men and women is no more than two standard drinks in one day.

Mackay's figure was 31% higher than the state average.

Australian Medical Association Queensland president Dr Shaun Rudd was not surprised, saying the area's demographic contributed to these health statistics.

"Lifestyle determines where you end up," he said.

"If you don't have any money you tend to make poor choices: you tend to smoke and drink alcohol and buy inappropriate foods. And you obviously end up more overweight and more unhealthy and likely to have cardiovascular disease."

The health report showed Mackay Hospital and Health Service was also among the worst in the state for the number of people dying from cardiovascular disease and cancer.

The leading cause of death in Mackay is from cardiovascular disease.

Mackay's rate of deaths from this disease is 15% higher than the state figure.

Dr Rudd said the area's obesity and smoking rates affected these death rates.

The report stated 26% of people in Mackay were obese and 18% smoked.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service chief Clare Douglas said it was disappointing to see these rates.

She said there was no simple answer to explain why Mackay ranked poorly in some areas.

"The overall health of a population is linked to different factors such as education, employment and economic status," she said.

She encouraged residents to be more active, eat healthier and make small changes to improve their health.