Preventing and managing heart disease and stroke in Washington

Heart disease and stroke account for more than one-third of all deaths, and cost us more than $4 billion a year in Washington. Our death rate for stroke is among the highest in the nation. These diseases can be prevented by lifestyle changes.

Heart disease and stroke often cause disability in people who survive them, placing emotional, physical, and financial burdens on all of us. Many more people can survive and avoid being disabled by recognizing symptoms and calling 9-1-1 immediately.

• One in four people in Washington have high blood pressure and one in three people have high blood cholesterol.

• High blood pressure and high blood cholesterol, and smoking can cause heart disease, stroke, and other diseases.

• High blood pressure and cholesterol can be controlled with changes in diet and physical activity, by quitting smoking, and with medications.