American Heart Association Addresses Cardiovascular Disease

According to the American Heart Association (heart.org), nearly half (48%, 121.5 million in 2016) of all adults in the United States have some type of cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association’s Heart and Stroke Statistics — 2019 Update, published in the Association’s journal, Circulation.

As the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health, the American Heart Association publishes the definitive statistical update annually to provide a comprehensive resource of the most current data, relevant scientific findings, and assessment of the impact of cardiovascular disease (CVD) nationally and globally. The annual update represents a compilation of the newest, most relevant statistics on heart disease, stroke and cardiovascular risk factors impacting cardiovascular health and is gathered in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health and other government agencies.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally. After decades of a steady decline in the U.S., CVD deaths are on the rise (840,678 deaths in 2016 up from 836,546 in 2015), although worldwide, the number of people dying from CVD was lower in 2016 (17.6 million) than the previous year (17.9 million).

Research shows approximately 80% of all cardiovascular disease can be prevented by controlling high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, along with adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors such as not smoking. The health behaviors such as eating a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight could have the most impact as they contribute to multiple conditions.

The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association are devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org.