Heart Health Stats

It’s no secret that heart disease is the leading killer of men and women. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in 2022 that over 700,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S. each year. In addition, CDC statistics show that 800,000 people have heart attacks annually, with over 200,000 reported to already had a heart attack. Coronary heart disease –the buildup of plaque in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart (called coronary arteries) and other parts of the body– is categorized as the most common type of heart disease.

Heart Attack Knowledge

Knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack will radically improve one’s chances for survival, and since nearly half of all heart attacks occur outside of a hospital setting, early reaction is absolutely critical. As explained by the CDC, there are several major warning signs and symptoms that, if encountered, suggest immediate emergency attention. They are:

  • Chest pain or discomfort.
  • Upper body pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or upper stomach.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Nausea, lightheadedness, or cold sweats.

Understanding the signs and symptoms is critical, of course, but as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. With high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking heading the list of risk factors (and nearly half of all Americans have at least one of these), a higher level of consciousness about heart health can go a long, long way toward mitigating the potential for heart disease and heart attack. Attention to medical conditions like diabetes and obesity, as well as a positive focus on diet, exercise, and alcohol consumption can also help folks manage their level of risk.

Heart Health Guides

So, with all of that as a backdrop, its imperative that all of us pay attention to the issue of heart health, not only for ourselves, but also for our loved ones. See added resources below:

Prevention of heart conditions is important, as well as making decisions about treatment and care.  Orlando Health’s Guide to Heart Disease Prevention is a tool to guide through prevention, tips, symptoms, and risk factors.

The experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine have prepared a comprehensive document designed to aid in the maintenance of a healthy coronary system–a roadmap to health habits at different ages, that can help mitigate your risk of heart disease.   Heart Smart: A guide to heart care at every age. (John Hopkins)