We mentioned in our last post that February is Heart Awareness Month. Cardiovascular disease - including heart disease and stroke - is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Over 2,000 Americans a day die from cardiovascular disease.
An organization focused on enhancing cardiovascular disease prevention activities is Million Hearts. This national initiative which works with communities, health systems, federal agencies, nonprofit organizations and private-sector partners - has set a goal to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes by 2017.
Million Hearts plans to do this by:
- Improving access to effective care
- Improving the quality of care for the ABCS
- Focusing clinical attention on the prevention of heart attack and stroke
- Activating the public to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle
- Improving the prescription and adherence to appropriate medications for the ABCS
Know Your ABCs To Improve Heart Health
A - Appropriate aspirin use - Ask your doctor if aspirin will reduce your risk for heart attacks.
B - Blood pressure control - You can control your blood pressure and reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.
C - Cholesterol management - Your healthcare professional can provide guidance to help you lower your cholesterol levels if theyre high.
S - Smoking cessation - Ask your healthcare professional to connect you with tools to help you quit smoking.
Read more about Million Hearts
Learn more at the National Stroke Association