Heart disease is the nation's leading cause of death for both men and women. African Americans are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke death than white Americans. In fact, the prevalence of African Americans in the United States with high blood pressure is among the highest in the world.

Although heart disease and stroke are more common among people aged 65 years or older, the number of sudden deaths from heart disease among people aged 15ƒ34 has increased. Fortunately, many of the risk factors for heart disease are controllable. Young and older people, with or without heart disease can make lifestyle changes that can prevent illness or death.

Some of the important factors that place people at risk for heart disease begin early in life. Families can work together to prevent heart disease by developing a tradition of healthy eating habits, active lifestyles and smoke-free homes.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Heart Association, 2002 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update

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Risk Factors

Risk factors can increase your chances of developing heart disease. The more risk factors you have, the greater your risk for developing heart disease.

Although there are heart disease risk factors you can't control, you can reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke by taking steps to address the controllable risk factors.

The major risk factors for heart disease and stroke include:

• High Blood Pressure
• High Blood Cholesterol
• Tobacco Use
• Physical Inactivity
• Poor Nutrition
• Overweight / Obesity
• Diabetes
• Stress*

• Increasing age - 55 years and older for men and 65 years or older for women
• Race - African Americans are more likely to develop high blood pressure than whites
• Family history - Having a mother or sister who has been diagnosed with heart disease before age 65, or a father or brother diagnosed before age 55; or family history of stroke

Source: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institutes, National Institutes of Health; American Heart Association