While cardiovascular disease–related deaths have fallen since the 1950s, decades of rising rates of obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes have contributed to slowing progress. A closer look at this data shows an increase in deaths for individuals 35 to 64 years of age in more than half of U.S. counties, from Maine to California.

There is plenty of work ahead of us. That’s why Million Hearts® 2022 is focusing attention and action on factors that contribute to this unacceptable trend. The demands and stressors on this younger age group are substantial, creating challenges to adopting healthier habits and fitting health care into busy days. Take a moment to learn about the efforts of Million Hearts® partners who’ve made real progress toward improving blood pressure control and helping all of us move more each day. Review the powerful strategies in Million Hearts® 2022 and take action to minimize your risk and improve the health of your community and the nation.

Janet Wright, MD, FACC
Executive Director
Million Hearts®

Visit the Million Hearts website for resources, tools and additional information related to cardiac health.

Use the Million Hearts® American Heart Month toolkit to encourage individuals to take control of their heart health. They can share compelling resources, tweets and Facebook posts on their social media channels.

Brush up on the newest stroke guidelines. This resource from the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association details pre-hospital, emergency, and secondary prevention measures for adults with stroke.

For American Heart Month, take the pledge to #MoveWithHeart. Physical activity is an ideal way to improve heart health, but only 1 in 5 Americans meets recommended activity targets. Join the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute in its national pledge to #MoveWithHeart by promoting your favorite activities.

Great Plains Quality Innovation Network is actively working with providers, patients, partners and stakeholders to implement evidence-based practices that support the Million Hearts® initiative goal to prevent heart attacks and strokes. We provide resources and assistance on preventive cardiovascular best practices – the ABCS (Aspirin Therapy, Blood Pressure Control, Cholesterol Control and Smoking Cessation). Click here for resources, educational webinar recordings and to learn how you can become a partner to improve cardiac health across our region.