Be One in a Million this American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; one in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke, equal to 2,200 deaths per day. This month, we are highlighting Million Hearts™, an initiative dedicated to preventing the nation's leading killers and empowering everyone to make heart-healthy choices.

We can fight back against heart disease and stroke.

Launched in September 2011 by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Million Hearts™ is a national initiative that aims to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes in the U.S. by 2017.

Take the Million Hearts™ Challenge Today

Prevention starts with everyone. Protect yourself and your loved ones from heart disease and stroke by understanding the risks and taking these steps

• Drive the initiative by challenging your family and friends to take the Million Hearts™ pledge at http://millionhearts.hhs.gov.
• Get up and get active by being physically active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.
• Know your ABCS:
  • Ask your doctor if you should take an Aspirin every day.
  • Find out if you have high Blood pressure or Cholesterol, and if you do, get effective treatment.
  • If you Smoke, get help to quit.
• Make your calories count by eating a heart-healthy diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in sodium and trans fat.
• Take control of your heart health by following your doctor’s prescription instructions.

Together, we can all be one in a million this Heart Month and every month. To learn more, visit http://millionhearts.hhs.gov.

Other Resources

• CDC's Heart Disease Web Site
• CDC's Stroke Web Site