Cardiovascular Health: Action Steps for Employees

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for one of three deaths in the United States each year. Strategies that address major CVD risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking, can greatly reduce the burden of CVD. However, only 46% of American adults with high blood pressure and 33% of adults with high cholesterol have these conditions under control, and only 23% of smokers who are trying to quit receive help. 

The Department of Health and Human Services launched the Million Hearts® initiative to address CVD risk factors and reduce the burden of heart attack and stroke in the United States. The goal of this initiative is to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes by 2017 by putting into action proven and effective interventions in communities and clinical settings. Million Hearts® brings together health systems, nonprofit organizations, communities, federal agencies, and prive-sector partners from across the country to fight heart disease and stroke.