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A healthy heart is imperative to a healthy life. Learn about how to protect your heart from heart disease, heart attacks or stroke.
Back to topWhat is Heart Disease?
Heart disease is defined as, "any disorder that affects the heart's ability to function normally." Some of these disorders include: arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, heart attack, and heart failure.
Back to topRisk Factors
There are several risk factors that could contribute to heart disease. They include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Family history of heart disease
- Cigarette smoking and nicotine use
- Physical inactivity
- Overweight or obesity
Heart Attacks & Symptoms
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood supply to a specific part of the heart is blocked and the tissue becomes damaged or begins to die.
Call 9-1-1 if you notice symptoms of a heart attack.
The signs may not be as noticeable as in the movies, but symptoms of a heart attack should never be ignored! Common warning signs include:
- Pain or discomfort in the chest
- Upper body (stomach, arms, back, neck, jaw) pain
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat
- Nausea/vomiting
- Light-headedness
Resources
For more information about heart health and heart attack prevention:
- American Heart Association
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Association
- National Institutes of Health - Office of Disease Prevention
Heart Disease & Stroke Data
The Heart Disease and Stroke Report in Iowa highlights the impact of cardiovascular disease on the state’s population. It analyzes mortality, prevalence, and hospitalization rates for heart disease and stroke. The report highlights disparities faced by certain communities. Download the 2023 Heart Disease and Stroke Report .
State Plan
The Iowa Million Hearts State Action Plan and Million Hearts Task Force provides a framework to reduce the risk factors related to heart disease and stroke, decrease its impact of individuals and families and increase quality and years of healthy life among Iowans.
Read the 2022 Iowa Million Heart State Action Plan
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