Heart health facts & stats: Information that could keep your ticker ticking

February is National Heart Month, when the American Heart Association, health care providers, and men and women whose lives have been affected by heart disease share life-saving information and resources about heart health.

Here are some facts and statistics you might find heart helpful:

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.

• 600,000 = the number of people who die of heart disease in the United States every year. That’s 1 in every 4 deaths. (Centers for Disease Control)

• 935,000 = the number of Americans who have a heart attack every year (CDC)

• 385,000 = the number of Americans who die yearly of coronary heart disease, the most common type of heart disease. (CDC)

• 3.3% = the number of people in the U.S. who have what the American Heart Association would consider ideal cardiovascular heath. (American Heart Association)

Seven key heart health indicators (CDC):

1. Blood pressure
2. Total cholesterol
3. Smoking status
4. Weight (as measured by Body Mass Index or BMI)
5. Diabetes
6. Physical activity
7. Fruit and vegetable consumption

How does the Tri-State rank for heart health? (AHA)

• Kentucky 40th
• Indiana 37th (tie)
• Ohio 37th (tie)

Heart Health Information and Resources:

• Mercy Health - The Heart Institute
• The American Heart Association 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• National Institutes of Health