Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., resulting in tragically, one person dies every 33 seconds from heart disease. Half of Americans have at least one of the top risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and tobacco use.
Moreover, nearly half of all Americans have high blood pressure and only 1 in 4 have it under control.
Heart disease not only affects one’s physical health but their social, relational, mental, financial, and occupational health as well.
Call your doctor or 911 if you have:
- Chest pain, pressure, or tightness
- Palpitations or “racing heart”
- Jaw, back, or arm pain or tingling
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or lightheadedness
- Numbness
Weakness or extreme fatigue - Face drooping
- Change in vision
- Difficulty speaking or walking
- Confusion
Prevention
Heart Healthy Living: Life’s Essential 8
- The American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 is a “checklist for lifelong good health”. It offers tips for success in 8 key areas such as healthy eating, exercise, getting better sleep, managing blood pressure, and more.
- Prevent High Blood Pressure: Eat a healthy diet, keep a healthy weight, exercise, get enough sleep, manage stress, and avoid tobacco and alcohol.
Nutrition
The American Heart Association: Heart Healthy Eating
Sign up for the Healthy for Good program for tips, recipes, and inspiration to help you achieve your goal.
Education
How the Heart Works
Learn how your heart works with an interactive library of images such as the Anatomy of Blood Pressure.
Blood Pressure
- Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
- Watch a Video that describes blood pressure.
- Learn how to Measure Your Blood Pressure accurately or use this image to help you remember.
- Learn how to track your readings using My Blood Pressure Log
- Prevent and Manage High Blood Pressure How to take steps each day to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.
- High Blood Pressure Tools and Resources to help you understand what high blood pressure is, what raises it, the consequences of having it, how to talk with your doctor about it, and how to manage it at home.
Heart Attack
What is a heart attack: When oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart is reduced or blocked, damaging the heart muscle.
Cholesterol
- Learn about cholesterol with videos and illustrations. Learn what cholesterol numbers mean, how to achieve or keep your cholesterol in a healthy range with lifestyle and medication, if needed, and questions to bring to your doctor visit.
- Risk Factors for high cholesterol include type 2 diabetes, obesity, genetics, eating a diet high in certain fats, not exercising enough, and using tobacco.
- Learn why not all cholesterol is bad for you and other Cholesterol Myths and Facts.
WKCC Care Management
Resources and evidence-based support for patients in between appointments to address barriers and to optimize health and heart disease management.
Call (919) 235-6488