The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is encouraging residents to maintain healthy lifestyles to support cardiovascular fitness in observance of American Heart Month. The national initiative promotes awareness of heart disease and what can be done to prevent it.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S with nearly 700,000 Americans dying from the condition in 2024. The condition also was the number one killer of South Carolinians in 2023 with more than 12,000 deaths that year. Risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, high high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking.
Women are disproportionately affected by heart disease. Nearly 75% of women ages 20-39 have one or more modifiable risk factors. Women also face an increased risk due to pregnancy and menopause.
Disparities also exist in other aspects of heart health outcomes. African Americans face a higher risk of developing ischemic heart disease (decreased blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle) and are more likely to die of stroke, as compared to Caucasians.
How can heart disease be prevented?
- Limit alcohol use
- Stop smoking, vaping and using tobacco products
- Eat a healthy diet that's low in fat, cholesterol and salt
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stay active
- Get regular health screenings for cholesterol and blood pressure
DPH encourages everyone in South Carolina to start at least one new heart-healthy habit this year. To learn more about heart disease and how to prevent it, visit DPH's Heart Disease & Stroke webpage.