The Heart of The Matter
Facts & Figures About Heart Disease
The Bad News
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Almost 700,000 people die each year of heart disease, accounting for approximately 29% of U.S. deaths 47% of cardiac deaths occur before emergency services or transport to a hospital. 500,000 Americans die each year from heart attacks and strokes. That’s double the number of people who die from ALL forms of cancer combined. More than 60,000,000 Americans suffer from one or more forms of heart disease. That’s one in every five Americans.
The Good News
You can fight heart disease by addressing the risk factors under your control. About 93 percent of adults surveyed say that engage in at least one of the three heart-healthy behaviors: no smoking, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. You can, too! Prevention works: age-adjusted death rates for heart disease are actually in decline. New drugs are now available to help lower your cholesterol, one of the leading causes of heart disease. Talk to your personal physician to see it these medications are right for you.
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