Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with over 900,000 deaths annually, and shockingly, one in three of these deaths could be prevented with proper preventive care. As we approach Heart Month in February, it’s crucial to understand how we can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Michael Ayers, an expert in the field, highlights the five most common preventable causes of cardiovascular death: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, tobacco use, and physical inactivity. These issues are incredibly prevalent, with nearly half of American adults having abnormal blood pressure, two in five having high cholesterol, one in ten having diabetes, one in ten using tobacco, and half not meeting the recommended level of physical activity. Dr. Ayers emphasizes that many individuals may not be aware of these conditions as they often do not exhibit noticeable symptoms.

Heart attacks and strokes are often referred to as ‘silent killers’ because they can occur without any warning signs. For instance, high cholesterol can gradually build up in blood vessel walls without causing any noticeable symptoms. In fact, in Western societies, the majority of individuals aged 20 to 29 already have fatty deposits in their central blood vessels, highlighting the pervasive nature of this issue.