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Cardiovascular Health

The Cardiovascular Health (CVH) Program's mission is to provide leadership in the state of Alabama to prevent death and disability from heart disease and stroke, eliminate disparities in health and health care, and work with its many partners to fully implement a plan focusing on policy and system changes in the worksite, healthcare, and community settings.

February is American Heart Month

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, causing about 1 in 4 deaths.1 The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. In the United States, the most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to heart attack. You can greatly reduce your risk for heart disease through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medicine. About half of all Americans (47%) have at least 1 of 3 key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.

  • High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is often called a “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms. The only way to know whether you have high blood pressure is to measure your blood pressure.
  • Unhealthy blood cholesterol levels: High blood cholesterol usually has no signs or symptoms. The only way to know whether you have high cholesterol is to get your cholesterol checked. Your healthcare team can do a simple blood test, called a “lipid profile,” to measure your cholesterol levels. Learn more about getting your cholesterol checked.
  • Smoking: Cigarette smoking can damage the heart and blood vessels, which increases your risk for heart conditions such as atherosclerosis and heart attack. Tips to quit Smoking & Tobacco Use.
  • Diabetes: The risk of death from heart disease for adults living with diabetes is higher than for adults who do not have diabetes. Talk with your doctor about ways to prevent or manage diabetes and control other risk factors.

Preventing Heart Disease

Dr.Wynne Crawford, a Cardiology Specialist, gives a presentation on how to prevent heart disease.

Diabetes and Heart Disease

People living with diabetes face a greater chance of having heart problems such as a heart attack or stroke. But those with diabetes can take steps at reducing their chances of getting heart disease. Here are some resources produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):





Page last updated: July 25, 2023