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Heart Disease

You don’t have to be a health and fitness expert to live a healthier life. You have the power to learn more and make the choices that are best for you and your schedule. Try simple things like a healthier snack, getting in a few extra steps, or learning more about healthy blood pressure numbers – your heart is
counting on you.

What is Heart Disease?
The term heart disease is an umbrella term. It refers to many conditions that affect the heart. The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease. This is where blood flow to the heart is restricted. When blood cannot get to the heart, it can cause a heart attack.

Many people living with heart disease do not have any signs or symptoms. The first sign may be when having a heart attack. It is important to see a primary care physician on a regular basis to manage risk for heart disease. Following a healthy lifestyle can also reduce risk of heart disease.

Heart Disease in Oklahoma

  • In 2020, heart disease was the leading cause of death in Oklahoma.  One out of every four deaths were from heart disease.1
  • The risk of dying from heart disease increases with age. 
  • Men are more likely to die from heart disease than women.
  • African Americans and American Indians are more likely to die from heart disease than any other race.
  • Only about one in four adults with high blood pressure have their condition under control.

Risk Factors

There are many factors that can lead to heart disease:

  • Family history of heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Tobacco use
  • Diabetes
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Following an unhealthy diet
  • Physically inactive

Prevention and Management

If you are at risk for or living with heart disease, there are many things you can do to help either prevent or manage it:

  • Follow a  healthy diet
  • Get at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week
  • Lose weight
  • Schedule regular lab work
  • Take medications as prescribed
  • Quit smoking
  • Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is a number that goes up and down through the day. It measures the pressure of blood against the artery walls.  Arteries are what carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Blood pressure readings have 2 numbers. The first number is systolic blood pressure. That measures the pressure in arteries when the heart beats. The second number is diastolic blood pressure. That measures the pressure in arteries between heart beats. Normal blood pressure readings should be 120 systolic over 80 diastolic (120/80 mmHg) or lower. 

Hypertension, or high blood pressure is when blood pressure is higher than normal. If blood pressure numbers stay high it can lead to serious health problems. People living with blood pressure readings over 130/80 mmHg should see a health care provider.

People living with high blood pressure should participate in a Self-Measured Blood Pressure (SMBP) monitoring program and make healthy lifestyle changes. Blood pressure lowering medication may also be needed.

Cholesterol

Blood cholesterol comes from the body.  It is a waxy, fat-like substance in the blood.  The liver makes all the cholesterol the body needs.  Blood cholesterol helps regulate hormones and digest high fat foods.  Some factors can cause the body to make too much cholesterol. 

Dietary cholesterol comes from food.  Foods that come from animals have dietary cholesterol.  Dietary cholesterol does not increase blood cholesterol.2

There are two types of blood cholesterol.  Low density lipoproteins (LDL) are the bad type.  High density lipoproteins (HDL) are the good type. 

Too much of the bad (LDL) cholesterol can cause health problems.  Plaque is a buildup of bad cholesterol that forms on the walls of blood vessels.  If too much plaque forms, it can block all blood flow.  Blocked blood flow to the heart can cause a heart attack.  Blocked blood flow to the brain can cause a stroke.

Good (HDL) cholesterol can help lower risk of heart disease. It helps remove the bad cholesterol from the bloodstream. This is the one cholesterol number that should be high.

High cholesterol is also known as hyperlipidemia.  It can also be called dyslipidemia.  This is when total or LDL cholesterol levels are higher than normal.  Having HDL cholesterol levels lower than normal is also concerning. 

People living with cholesterol levels outside of the heart-healthy range should see a health care provider regularly and make healthy lifestyle changes. Cholesterol lowering medication may also be needed.

Stroke

A stroke is a time-sensitive, medical emergency.  Strokes happen when blood flow to the brain is blocked.  This can be caused by a blocked blood vessel (ischemic stroke).  This can also be caused by a burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). 

Time lost is brain lost.  Every minute counts.  At the first signs of stroke, call 9-1-1. Getting treatment fast is the best way to minimize lasting disability or death from stroke.

How to Recognize A Stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of serious disability in the United States.  In 2020, stroke was the 6th leading cause of death in Oklahoma.  One out of every 24 deaths were from stroke.  

Strokes can be prevented.  It is important to follow a healthy lifestyle.  Managing high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar levels will reduce risk.  Not smoking or using tobacco products can reduce risk also.  

The Heart Disease and Diabetes Prevention program oversees federal funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Funding allows contractors to work on proven strategies in heart disease care across the state. Work is being done in three main areas: 

  1. Improving access to care.
  2. Connecting more people to heart disease prevention and self-management programs.
  3. Promoting healthy behaviors. 

Contact Information

Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
The Center for Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave., Suite 1702
Oklahoma City, OK  73102-6406

Phone: (405) 426-8300
Fax: (405) 900-7610
Email: Center@health.ok.gov

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