Here's some news to think about: Experts say that more than 70 million Americans have a heart disease or stroke right now. And coronary heart disease is one of the main reasons why people in the U.S. workforce become disabled early and for good.
Heart disease is a threat to your health, but there are steps you can take to lessen that threat.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that a lot of the problems caused by heart disease and stroke could be solved by getting rid of major risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, lack of exercise, and poor nutrition.
Studies show, for example, that a 10% drop in total cholesterol levels could cut the risk of coronary heart disease by as much as 30%.
Before 1995, all you could do for a heart attack was stay in bed. As well as other high-tech treatments, doctors now have medicines that can stop a heart attack in progress.
And there's more good news coming. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) did a survey and found that there are 146 new medicines being made to treat heart disease and strokes.
PhRMA has started a new national health education campaign to help people get the information they need to fight heart disease and strokes.
"The American Heart Association says that coronary artery disease is the number one killer because it affects one in three Americans. It's important for patients to know that there are steps they can take today that can lower their chances of getting these deadly diseases tomorrow "The president and CEO, Billy Tauzin, said this.
In its public service health information campaign, PhRMA stresses how important it is to talk to a doctor and visit helpful websites that have information on how to prevent and treat coronary disease.
Tauzin said, "PhRMA members and the scientists who work for them want to help Americans find answers to their questions about heart disease and strokes." "I hope everyone will take a moment to go to these sites and get the information they need to learn how to treat and, eventually, prevent these killers."
