Health Department

Health and Wellness

Washington County Cardiovascular Health Project

The Washington County Health Department exists to assure a healthful environment, prevent disease, and prolong life and well being for the citizens of Washington County. One of the primary resources in accomplishing these objectives is the Department's Cardiovascular Health Project. This Project is funded by the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant from the Centers for Disease Control and administered by the Ohio Department of Health.

The Project seeks to reduce the risk factors and incidence of heart disease among the residents of Washington County by developing supportive environments that establish policies and systems, which make positive heart health choices possible in schools, worksites, health care systems, and communities. The efforts of this project are directed by the Washington County Healthy Heart Coalition.

What is heart disease?

Heart disease is a term that includes several more specific conditions that place your heart at risk. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. Almost 700,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S. each year. That is about 29% of all U.S. deaths.

What are the causes of heart disease?

Many conditions and factors can influence your risk for developing heart disease. Many of these factors are preventable. Risk factors of heart diease include:

Lack of physical activity
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Tobacco use
Diabetes
Obesity
Diet
Heredity

How can heart disease be prevented?

There are several steps that you can take to significantly lower your risk of developing heart disease. These steps include:

Exercising regularly
Making healthy food choices
Maintaining a health weight
Avoiding tobacco products
Reducing stress
Managing your blood sugar (diabetes)
Managing your blood pressure
Managing your cholesterol