Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common is coronary artery disease. It can cause heart attacks, angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias. According to the N.C. State Center for Health Statistics, heart disease accounted for over 17,000 deaths in North Carolina in 2010. Locally, heart disease accounted for 21% of deaths in 2011.

Good news! You can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease through lifestyle changes and in some cases through medication. It’s important to remember your ABCS:

A: Aspirin—Appropriate aspirin therapy as prescribed by your doctor.

B: Blood pressure—Control your blood pressure and reduce sodium intake.

C: Cholesterol—Cholesterol management.

S: Smoking—Smoking Cessation.

Two very important components of prevention and control of heart disease risk factors are diet and exercise. In addition to the ABCS add D & E:

D: Diet—Make sure to eat a healthy diet and get your recommended servings of fruits and vegetables.

E: Exercise—Be active every day! For adults, 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity is recommended each week.

Sampson County Health Department will begin offering free cardiovascular health screenings, education and referral services to eligible women through the NC WISEWOMAN Project, starting in July 2013. The NC WISEWOMAN Project will be offered with BCCCP services. Therefore, those who are currently eligible or enrolled in the BCCCP program will also receive WISEWOMAN screening services. For more information about our local WISEWOMAN & BCCCP Project, contact Sampson County Health Department at (910) 592-1131. To learn more about NC WISEWOMAN & BCCCP, visit www.bcccp.ncdhhs.gov/wisewoman.htm or call 919-707-5300. You may contact the Health Department at 910-592-1131, ext. 4214.

A great resource for learning more about heart disease is the Million Hearts website, http://millionhearts.hhs.gov/index.html

Be WISE and take care of your heart!