Highlighted Facts

• Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, was the number one killer of Louisianans in 2004, accounting for 32% of all deaths.
• In 2004, over 13,000 Louisianans died due to heart disease and stroke.
• Louisiana had the seventh highest mortality rate due to heart disease among the 50 states and D.C. in 2004, and ninth highest mortality rate for stroke.
• For both men and women in Louisiana, cardiovascular disease death rates are higher for African Americans compared to whites.
• 30% of Louisiana adults reported having high cholesterol in 2005.
• Almost 30% of adult Louisianans reported suffering from high blood pressure in 2005.
• In 2006, 23.4% of Louisiana adults reported that they currently smoked.
• Over half (63%) of all Louisiana adults were overweight or obese in 2006.

© Smoking                                   © Diabetes

© High blood pressure               © Overweight/Obesity

© High blood cholesterol            © Physical Inactivity

(Solutions to the “now” to avoid the “later)

© GO!!! Moderate physical activity,30 minutes most days of the week

© Follow a healthful eating plan

• Low in saturated fat and cholesterol and moderate in total fat
• Limit salt and sodium
• If you drink alcoholic beverages, have no more than one a day

©  Maintain a healthy weight

©  Balance calories taken in with those used up in physical activity

©  Stop smoking

©  Manage diabetes

©  Take medication, if prescribed

Heart-to-Heart

© Ask your doctor about your risk of heart disease

© Make a list of questions before your visit, write down or tape record what the doctor says

© Tell your doctor if you smoke, describe your physical activity

© Call 9-1-1 within minutes—5 minutes at most

© Emergency medical personnel will begin treatment at once

© Don't drive yourself to the hospital

© Uncertainty is normal—don't be embarrassed by a false alarm

© Plan ahead

© Learn the warning signs