According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Heart disease is very common. In the United States, heart disease is a leading cause of death for men and women. In 2022, 1 in every 5 deaths in the United States was caused by heart disease.
• High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease. Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, which puts them at risk for heart disease and stroke. And just 1 in 4 people with high blood pressure has it under control.

You can lower your risk of heart disease by taking these important steps from the American Heart Association:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Carrying extra weight can impact your heart health and increase your risk for diabetes. Losing 5-10% of your starting weight can have a positive impact on your blood sugar and blood pressure.
• Get active. Physical activity is one of the best ways to prevent heart disease. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day. If you can’t dedicate a full 30 minutes, split exercise into 10-minute intervals throughout the day. If you are a Cigna member, 'Active & Fit' Direct offers gym memberships for $28 a month and a discount for premium exercise studios. Use code FITNESSFIRST to take advantage of waived enrollment fees through February 28. Get started now.
• Strive for a healthy diet incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean protein sources and limiting salt or sodium to control your blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Get checkups regularly to stay informed on your health and help prevent certain health conditions from developing.
• Avoid tobacco use and limit alcohol intake. Smoking can increase the risk of heart disease. If you smoke and would like resources to quit, the EX Program is a free tobacco-cessation program available to every employee that provides an interactive, self-paced, guided quit plan and specialized support to overcome the behavioral, social, and physical aspects of tobacco addiction. In addition, taking steps to limit alcohol intake can also be beneficial to help manage blood pressure. Our free Confide Behavioral Health/Employee Assistance Program offers support for substance abuse and other emotional health issues.