Cardiovascular disease (CVD) — including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure — is the number one killer of men and women in the United States.
- Heart disease is a term that includes several more specific heart conditions.
- The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attack.
Know Your Risk!
Risk factors for heart disease and stroke include:
- High blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels
- Smoking
- Inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables
- Overweight and obesity
- Physical inactivity
Taken together, these major risk factors account for around 80% of deaths from heart disease and stroke. The only way to know your level of risk is to be assessed by a healthcare professional and to be checked for factors such as your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, waist measurement and BMI. Once you know your overall risk, agree with your health care professional on a plan for specific actions you should take to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.
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6/8/2016
![infographic about heart disease and its effect on service members](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161126162732im_/https://www.health.mil/~/media/MHS/Infographics/Cardiovascularinfographicmenshealth.ashx?mw=120)
Cardiovascular disease comprises disorders of the heart and circulatory system including coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. This infographic provides data on the risk factors for cardiovascular disease among military members base on diagnostic codes in the electronic health records of service members during a 10-year surveillance period.
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2/26/2016
![Airmen and Soldiers practice breathing and relaxation during their off duty time in a deployed location. Stress can take its toll on your mental and physical health, including your heart health, but there are breathing techniques to buffer yourself from it. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Lance Cheung)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161126162732im_/https://www.health.mil/~/media/MHS/Photos/Breathe%20tech.ashx?mw=120)
Stress can take its toll on your heart health, but there are breathing techniques to buffer yourself from it
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Article
2/25/2016
![A blue 3D drawing of a human heart with large red blood cells flowing out](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161126162732im_/https://www.health.mil/~/media/MHS/Photos/Improving%20Heart%20Health.ashx?mw=120)
When it comes to having a healthy heart, Army Lt. Col. (Dr.) Eugene Soh, says there are different means of preventing cardiac related diseases, as well as some simple steps, that can greatly reduce the chances of a cardiac event.
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Infographic
2/22/2016
![ABC's of Heart Health Infographic](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161126162732im_/https://www.health.mil/~/media/MHS/Infographics/MHS_Heart_Health_4.ashx?mw=120)
Bring awareness to the risks of heart disease and ways to stay heart healthy.
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2/22/2016
![Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Harvey Canto measures medication in the pharmacy. In many patients, when diet and exercise are not enough to sufficiently improve blood pressure and cholesterol values, prescription medications have been proven to save lives. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lacordrick Wilson)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161126162732im_/https://www.health.mil/~/media/MHS/Photos/Healthy%20hearts%20part%204.ashx?mw=120)
During February, the Military Health System recognizes the need for good heart health. In the fourth part in our series, we discuss those factors that people can’t control by themselves.
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Infographic
2/16/2016
![Infographic for Heart Health Month about Regular Checkups](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161126162732im_/https://www.health.mil/~/media/MHS/Infographics/MHS_Heart_Health_2.ashx?mw=120)
Take Charge of Your Heart Health with Regular Checkups
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2/16/2016
![Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Megumi Gudino (left) and Seaman Brian Holst (right) both attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship, USS Blue Ridge, run on the main deck during sunset. The National Institutes of Health recommends at least 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise per week or 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jordan Kirk Johnson)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161126162732im_/https://www.health.mil/~/media/MHS/Photos/Healthy%20hearts%20diet%20and%20exercise.ashx?mw=120)
During February, the Military Health System recognizes the need for good heart health. In the third article in our series, a healthy diet and regular exercise are explored in how each affects the heart’s health.
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2/11/2016
![Keep Your Heart Healthy this Valentine's Day](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161126162732im_/https://www.health.mil/~/media/MHS/Infographics/MHS_Valentines_Day.ashx?mw=120)
4 ways to keep your heart healthy this Valentine's Day
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2/8/2016
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During February, the Military Health System recognizes the need for good heart health. In the second article in our series, we talk about the effects tobacco has on the heart and blood vessels.
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2/1/2016
![Joggers at Sunset, Motivational Monday Message wellness column](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161126162732im_/https://www.health.mil/~/media/MHS/Photos/MotivationalMonday%20v4.ashx?mw=120)
Operation Live Well’s message this week is raising awareness of the leading cause of death in America: heart disease.
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