Each year, more than 500,000 Americans die of heart attacks and more than 150,000 deaths are caused by strokes.
Cardiovascular disease causes more deaths than all cancers combined.
You can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke with a healthier lifestyle. Ask your doctor what you can do to reduce high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. Your doctor can tell you about the benefits of quitting smoking, losing weight, and exercising. Your doctor also can tell you whether you should take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke. Aspirin also may help people who suspect they are having a heart attack.