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Heart Disease and Stroke Need Your Attention
What do we know about heart disease and stroke?
Heart disease and stroke are deadly, disabling, and costly. They
are the nation's first and third leading causes of death, killing
nearly 930,000 Americans each year. Heart disease is a leading cause
of premature, permanent disability in the U.S. workforce, and stroke
alone has disabled more than 1 million currently surviving Americans.
The cost of heart disease and stroke in the United States is projected
to be $394 billion in 2005, of which $242 billion is for health care
expenditures and $152 billion for lost productivity from death and
disability. The costs, the disability, and the deaths will only
increase as the baby–boomer generation ages and their risks
for heart disease and stroke increase.
Heart disease and stroke are largely preventable. Years of research
have indicated that controlling high blood pressure and high blood
cholesterol reduces a person's risk of developing heart disease or
having a heart attack or stroke. Stopping smoking, eating a
heart–healthy diet, being physically active, maintaining a healthy
weight, and controlling diabetes can also help decrease a person’s
risk for heart disease and stroke.
How can we translate knowledge into action?
Promoting heart–healthy and stroke–free communities involves
efforts from all sectors of society. Health care systems, state and
local governments, and workplaces have important and distinct roles to
play in improving cardiovascular health. Health care organizations can
implement systems to better monitor and manage cardiovascular
conditions in accordance with national guidelines. Policymakers can
establish coverage for preventive health services, no–smoking laws,
and emergency response systems. Businesses can provide employees with
screening and follow–up services for blood pressure and cholesterol
control and offer opportunities for physical activity.
Date last reviewed:
05/12/2006
Content source: Division for Heart Disease and Stroke
Prevention,
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and
Health Promotion |
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