Heart Disease and Stroke

Heart disease and stroke are the most common cardiovascular diseases. They are the first and third leading causes of death for both men and women in the United States, accounting for nearly 40% of all annual deaths. More than 910,000 Americans die of cardiovascular diseases each year, which is 1 death every 35 seconds. Although these largely preventable conditions are more common among people aged 65 or older, the number of sudden deaths from heart disease among people aged 15-34 has increased.

In addition, more than 70 million Americans currently live with a cardiovascular disease. Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of premature, permanent disability in the U.S. workforce. Stroke alone accounts for disability among about 1 million Americans. More than 6 million hospitalizations each year are because of cardiovascular diseases.

Risk Factors

Two of the major independent risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol.

•        During 1999-2002, nearly 29% of U.S. adults had high blood pressure (hypertension); 45% were being treated with medication, and only 29% had the condition under control. For 2006, the estimated direct and indirect cost of high blood pressure is $64 billion                                                                      .

•        A 12- to 13-point reduction in blood pressure can reduce heart attacks by 21%, strokes by 37% and all deaths from cardiovascular disease by 25%.

•        During 1999-2002, nearly 25% of U.S. adults had high cholesterol levels or were being treated with medication. Only 63% of those with high levels were aware of it.

•        A 10% decrease in total blood cholesterol levels may reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease by as much as 30%.

A key strategy for addressing these risk factors is to educate the public and health care practitioners about the importance of prevention. Current national guidelines recommend that all adults have their blood pressure checked regularly and their blood cholesterol levels checked every 5 years. Systems changes are needed to help health care practitioners follow guidelines for treating patients with or at risk for heart disease and stroke, such as prescribing beta-blockers and aspirin. Preventive actions can help people with any level of blood pressure or cholesterol reduces their risk.

People also need to be educated about the signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke and the importance of calling 911 quickly. Forty-seven percent of heart attack victims and about the same percentage of stroke victims die before emergency medical personnel arrive. Other important risk factors for heart disease and stroke are tobacco use, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and obesity to be addressed through lifestyle changes and appropriate use of medication.