The human heart is responsible for every second of our existence. At an average rate of 100,000 beats per day the heart has a role in every mental, physical, and physiological action that takes place in our bodies. This means that as a "star performer" there are many factors that can have positive or negative effects on its performance. In recent years the negatives have outweighed the positives, making heart disease the nation's leading killer. It is important to raise awareness and promote prevention to reverse this trend.

Risk factors for heart disease are related to genetics, lifestyle, diet and nutrition, and physical activity. The major independent risk factors are high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Other important risk factors for heart disease - such as diabetes, tobacco use, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and overweight and obesity -have both direct and indirect roles in heart health. All of these major and important risk factors can be modified to decrease the risk of, or prevent, disease. By understanding the impact of heart disease, personal risk factors, and the positive effects of lifestyle changes, we can work to overcome the "silent killer."

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States and Alabama.
• Alabama is ranked 49th out of 52 for highest death rates related to cardiovascular disease, by state (including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico).
• Heart disease accounts for about 30% of annual deaths in Alabama.
• It is estimated that cardiovascular disease will cost the United States $403.1 billion in 2006, with heart disease accounting for $142.5 billion.
• One in every three American women dies of heart disease.
• The CDC estimates that one-half of American men and one-third of American women 40 ears and younger will develop heart disease in the future.
• Each year poor diet attributes more than $33 billion in medical costs and $9 billion in lost productivity related to heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes in the United States.
• Poor diet, along with overweight and obesity, and its health consequences are the greatest contributors to heart disease -- the #1 cause of death.
• You can take small steps towards a healthy lifestyle to lower your risk for heart disease by

• Losing excess weight
• Following a healthy diet
• Reducing high blood cholesterol
• Increasing physical activity
• Controlling high blood pressure