Background

The Cardiovascular Health (CVH) Program’s goal is to improve the heart health of Ohioans, and ultimately reduce premature cardiovascular death and disability.

The CVH Program is funded by the Preventive Health and Health Services (PHHS) block grant from the Ohio Department of Health. The grant started in 2001 and will continue through 2008. The Delaware County Cardiovascular Health Coalition was formed to work toward bringing heart healthy programming to the community, schools, healthcare professionals, and workplaces. This Coalition has been working together to improve the health of all residents by providing programming and assistance in various settings: community, schools, worksites, and healthcare.

What is Cardiovascular Disease?

There are many diseases and conditions that put your heart at risk, which all fall under the general term cardiovascular or coronary heart disease. These include high cholesterol, diabetes, heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure, congenital heart disease, and peripheral artery disease. Click here to learn more about these specific diseases and conditions.

What can cause Cardiovascular Disease?

Many conditions and factors can influence your risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Many of these risk factors can be preventable by YOU! Examples of risk factors include:

· Lack of Physical Activity

· High Cholesterol

· High Blood Pressure

· Tobacco Use

· Alcohol Use

· Diabetes

· Obesity

· Diet

· Heredity

How can you prevent Cardiovascular Disease?

There are many ways people can take to lower their risk for developing heart disease:

· Knowing your blood pressure and cholesterol

    numbers and keeping them under control

· Exercising regularly

· Avoiding tobacco products

· Maintaining a healthy weight

· Making healthy food choices

· Managing diabetes

· Reducing stress

For more information contact Nicole Harmon, Health Educator at 740-203-2086 or nicole@delawarehealth.org

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. Almost 700,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S. each year, which is about 29% of all U.S. deaths.

-Centers for Disease Control

American Heart Association