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Do you know your stats when it comes to heart health? Read up on everything from cardiovascular disease to ways to stay healthy.
NATIONAL
What Is Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)?
A group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, stroke, arterial disease, and aortic disease.
Cardiovascular Symptoms Include:
Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure, and chest discomfort
Pain in the upper abdomen or back
Pain in the neck, jaw, or throat
Shortness of breath
Nausea and extreme fatigue
Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
Easily tiring during exercise or activity
Source: Medical News Today
Reducing the Risk of Heart Disease:
IMPROVE YOUR DIET
Eat plenty of high-fiber fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains; choose fish as a protein source; and reduce full-fat dairy and red meat in your diet, foods that are high in saturated fat. Cut back on salt, especially in processed foods.
GET TO A HEALTHY WEIGHT
Being obese or even just overweight can increase heart disease risk.
EXERCISE
Getting regular physical activity can lower heart disease risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and diabetes.
PRACTICE GOOD HABITS
Stop smoking, drink less, and reduce stress.
Source: selfchec.org
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, causing about 1 in 4 deaths.
Source: CDC
659,041 Number of deaths annually due to heart disease
200.8 Deaths per 100,000 population
1 Cause of death rank
Source: National Vital Statistics System – Mortality Data (2019) via CDC WONDER
47% of all Americans have at least 1 of 3 key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and they smoke.
Source: CDC
NEW YORK STATE
Prevalence of cardiovascular disease (heart attack, angina/CHD, stroke) among New York State adults
Source: New York State Department of Health
WESTCHESTER
143.5
Diseases of the heart mortality per 100,000 population
69.3
Diseases of the heart hospitalizations per 10,000 population
Source: New York State Department of Health
Related: These Are Westchester’s Top Cardiologists in 2022