Heart Disease by the Numbers

We’re all born with just one heart. And taking care of it for as long as we can is a responsibility each of us owes to the powerful fist-sized pumps in our chests.

Understanding and controlling our risk factors—smoking, excess weight, a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle—are half the battle in preventing heart disease. But you can do it.

For those who don’t, heart disease carries sobering statistics. Some are listed at right, but don’t let them frighten you. Instead, think of them as part of the incentive necessary in helping you take action to prevent heart disease.

• This year about 1.2 million Americans will have a first or recurrent coronary attack. About 452,000 of these people will die.
• Coronary heart disease is the nation’s single-leading cause of death.
• About 7.9 million Americans ages 20 and older have survived a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
• About 8.9 million Americans have angina pectoris (chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood supply to the heart).