Frontline report: Beating heart disease
Get an update on the fight against heart disease from Doris Frazier, R.N., M.S., F.A.C.C.A, Vice President of Cardiovascular Services at Mercy Heart & Vascular Institute and Sacramento Board Member of the American Heart Association.
Frazier: In the period from 1999 to 2009, the national mortality rate from heart disease fell by 32.7 percent. How was this great achievement accomplished? This was achieved from national efforts in better understanding of what causes heart disease, better medications, more advances in technology, a greater awareness among physicians of how to best manage patients’ risk factors, much improved heart attack care. Even with all this progress, cardiovascular disease is still this nation’s No. 1 killer of both men and women. Obesity is the major challenge that remains and is getting even worse. Inactivity is another big problem. We don’t even get up to change the channel on the TV anymore.
Frazier: There are some risk factors you can’t control like your age and family history. But you can control your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. You can eat a balanced diet and get 30 minutes of activity every day. And if you smoke, stop. It’s really not about giving up something, it’s about gaining life.
Frazier: We’re partners on several public health events, including the AHA’s Heart Walk every September and its Go Red for Women activities, which are held year-round. For more info about heart-healthy events, visit heart.org.
