A healthy heart and strong brain can help you power through everyday tasks and meet any challenge that lies ahead. These vital organs are an important part of every aspect of your health: from how strong your body is to how well your mind processes information and the connections you make with your loved ones.
The heart and brain also have another important connection: They share risk factors.
Understanding Your Heart Disease and Stroke Risk
Each year about 750,000 people die from heart disease or stroke. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for men and women in the U.S.; stroke is the third most common. These conditions both block blood vessels and can cause tissue damage. A major difference, however, is that heart disease usually develops over time and has distinct warning signs, while stroke happens suddenly, and usually without warning.
These two very serious illnesses also share similar risk factors. In fact, having heart disease puts you at higher risk for stroke; and having a stroke puts you at higher risk for heart disease.
Take control of your health with a better understanding of your risk factors, including:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High LDL (bad) cholesterol
- Low HDL (good) cholesterol
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
Reduce Your Risk for Heart Disease and Stroke
It’s estimated that 49 percent of adults have at least one major risk factor. Protect your health with a few lifestyle changes that promote your health and vitality:
Reducing your risk factors for these health conditions will improve your quality of life and whole health.
Improve Your Heart and Vascular Health
Learn more about how we partner with the American Heart Association to provide comprehensive heart and stroke care.
