US Heart Disease Statistics

US heart disease statistics are some of the worst (if not the worst) in the world, with over one million reported heart attack and half a million deaths annually. Our diets tend to be a big part of the problem with lots of red meat, high saturated fat foods deep fried to perfection, along with a healthy dose of those tasty fast food delights thrown in for good measure. Not only do these types of foods add a few pounds but create an environment inside our bodies ripe for coronary artery disease. The US heart disease statistics compiled by the CDC in Atlanta, Georgia tend to tell the story better than I could ever hope to. Let's take a few minutes to run through a number of chilling US heart disease statistics that you should find very interesting.

First, did you know that heart disease was the leading cause of death for most ethnic groups in the United States? Here's how the numbers stack up: Whites 27.5%; African Americans 25.8%; Hispanics 22.7%; Other 24%. According to these numbers the average American has a 1 in 4 chance of dying of a heart attack. Now that should make all of us think twice before ordering that double burger with fries along with a fried pie or milk shake for dessert for lunch, and that chicken fried steak with gravy for dinner!

So now we know the fatality rate, but what are the chances that we would know enough about heart disease to call emergency services for help? In a very surprising survey conducted in 2005, 92% survey participants knew that chest pain was a symptom of a heart attack but only 27% were aware of all the major symptoms and knew to call emergency services for help when someone was having a heart attack. This would explain why 47% of heart attack victims fail to make it to the hospital in time to avoid becoming another heart attack fatality statistic.

But by now you are probably saying you new most of that information anyway but here a question for you; What is the biggest risk factor for heart disease? Okay most of you screamed out that double cheeseburger with fries! While a good answer it is not the right answer. According to the CDC the biggest risk factor for heart disease is inactivity (39.5%). Certainly the other risk factors of obesity, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, high cholesterol, and diabetes are very important but in the end inactivity stands alone at the top of the list.

What I do to keep from becoming just another heart disease statistic?

Certainly, this is something you should discuss with your doctor but as a general rule a combination of exercise 5 or more days a week, a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, saying no to cigarettes, and a natural cholesterol reduction supplement would be an excellent place to start.