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Military Health System

Heart Health

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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Love Your Heart: Don't Smoke

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1/12/2023

Smoking can increase your risk for heart disease. Talk to your provider on ways to lower your risk and prioritize your heart health: www.health.mil/hearthealth #HeartHealth

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Love Your Heart Healthy: Food and Drinks

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Eating a balanced, healthy diet, low in sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fat can lower your risk for heart disease. www.health.mil/Nutrition #HeartHealth

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Love Your Heart: Healthy Weight

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Keepings a healthy weight can lower your risk for heart disease. Learn more on how a healthy way is good for your heart: https://health.mil/News/Articles/2022/01/14/Six-Immediate-Health-Benefits-You-Will-See-If-You-Lose-a-Little-Weight #HeartHealth

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Love Your Heart: Physical Activity

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1/12/2023

Get moving! Try and get at least 2.5 hours a week of physical activity to keep your heart healthy. https://health.mil/Exercise #HeartHealth #Readiness

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Love Your Heart: Prevent Heart Disease

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1/12/2023

A healthy heart is critical, particularly to service members facing high-stress jobs throughout their careers. Take steps to prevent heart disease: https://health.mil/News/Articles/2021/02/24/Proper-diet-sleep-exercise-and-joy-key-to-a-heart-health #HeartHealth

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National Wear Red Day

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12/30/2022

Today is National Wear Red Day! Show your support for heart disease awareness by wearing red and learning more about heart health here: https://health.mil/HeartHealth #WearRed #HeathHealthMonth

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Heart Health Month

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Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the U.S. of both men and women. Learn more about your risks and where to get care: https://health.mil/HeartHealth #HeartHealthMonth

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Prevent Heart Disease 2019

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This infographic describes conditions that can increase your chance of having heart disease.

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Cardiovascular Screenings 2019

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This infographic discusses the types of tests that cardiovascular screenings usually include.

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Last Updated: October 31, 2022
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