The New York State Department of Health is urging New Yorkers to take important steps to help prevent heart disease in recognition of American Heart Month in February. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in New York State. Lifestyle modifications and interventions could prevent up to 80 percent of heart disease and strokes.
“The risk of cardiovascular disease can be greatly diminished when people take steps to make positive lifestyle changes like never starting to smoke or quitting smoking, increasing physical activity and eating well,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “American Heart Month is a great time to spread awareness about the impact of cardiovascular disease and how to prevent heart attack and stroke.”
According to key findings in the State Department of Health’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey (BRFSS) report, an estimated 1,298,000 adults in New York State report that they have cardiovascular disease. An individual who has cardiovascular disease has experienced a heart attack, angina, coronary heart disease or stroke.
Cardiovascular disease prevalence is higher among adults who live in rural regions of New York (9.9 percent), adults with food insecurity (9.7 percent) and adults who could not afford to see a doctor in the past year (9.5 percent). Cardiovascular disease prevalence is significantly higher among adults with a lack of reliable transportation (15.9 percent), adults with less than a high school education (12.6 percent) and adults diagnosed with a depressive disorder (12.1 percent).
There are positive lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, including the following:
- Engage in regular physical activity. The U.S. Surgeon General recommends two and a half hours of moderate intensity exercise each week for adults and one hour of physical activity each day for children and adolescents. The American Heart Association has additional information here.
- Choose healthy foods and snacks, including a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, and those with less sodium to help control blood pressure and maintain a healthy weight or prevent weight gain. Even modest weight loss can provide health benefits. American Heart Association tips for embracing a healthy lifestyle can be found here.
- Get regular screening tests for blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and type 2 diabetes. Regular screening tests can tell you whether you and your doctor need to take action.
- Attend regular appointments and follow physician's instructions, including taking medications as directed while managing chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes and diabetes.
- Those who smoke can contact the NYS Quitline for help in quitting.
- Those who drink alcohol should do so in moderation.
To learn more about heart disease and how to prevent it, visit the Department's Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention website here.