February is American Heart Month
Heart Disease is the Number One Cause of Death
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which often appears as a heart attack. In 2008, an estimated 770,000 Americans will have a new coronary attack, and about 430,000 will have a recurrent attack. About every 26 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about one every minute will die from one.
The chance of developing coronary heart disease can be reduced by taking steps to prevent and control factors that put people at greater risk. Additionally, knowing the signs and symptoms of heart attack, calling 911 right away, and getting to a hospital are crucial to the most positive outcomes after having a heart attack. People who have had a heart attack can also work to reduce their risk of future events.
Learn more about how to prevent heart disease and heart attack and to act in time.
Heart Disease Facts and Statistics
Heart Disease/Attack Signs and Symptoms
Heart Disease Prevention: What Can I Do?
Resources/Useful Links
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Heart Disease
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, High Blood Pressure
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cholesterol
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WISEWOMAN: Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Office of Public Health Genomics
