​​Heart Disease and Stroke - the Basics

Learn basic information about heart disease, hypertension, high blood cholesterol, and stroke, including ways to prevent and manage these chronic diseases. Resources for maintaining a healthy weight, making healthy eating choices, and staying physically active are also available.​
Chronic Disease Prevention ​and Health Promotion

CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) leads the nation's efforts to create expertise, information, and tools to support people and communities in preventing chronic disease and promoting health for all.​​ Please access the CDC Chronic Disease webpage to learn more.  ​

The CDC Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention has comprehensive information, including program evaluation resources, publications and research, data, statistical tools, and educational materials. Please reference the CDC National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) webpage ​to learn more. 

​About Heart Disease

Information on heart disease, hypertension, high blood cholesterol, heart attack, and related conditions.

Heart Conditions and Stroke

High Blood Pressure | cdc.gov

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death for Americans. High blood pressure is also very common. Tens of millions of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, and many do not have it under control. Lear​n more facts about high blood pressure.​

High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, so the only way to know if you have it is to get your blood pressure m​easured. Talk with your health care team about how you can manage your blood pressure and lower your risk.​

Healthy and unhealthy blood pressure ranges

​Resources: Understanding Blood Pressure Readings (CDC)​ and When To Call 911 About High Blood Pressure​ (American Heart Association)

High Blood Cholesterol and Knowing Your Risk for High Blood Cholesterol

Blood cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made by your liver. High cholesterol is having a total cholesterol above 200 mg/dL High cholesterol can run in families and if you have a family history of high cholesterol, you are more likely to have high cholesterol. High blood cholesterol, also known as hyperlipidemia, increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death for Americans. Access the CDC's About Cholesterol webpage for more information.

Certain health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity, can raise your risk for high cholesterol. Lifestyle factors, such eating a diet high in saturated and trans fats and not getting enough activity, can also raise your risk for high cholesterol These are called “risk factors." You can't control some of these risk factors, such as your age or your family history. But you can take steps to lower your risk for high cholesterol by changing things you can control. Access the CDC's Risk Factors for High Cholesterol webpage for more information. 

​Resource: About Cholesterol​​ (CDC)​​