Disease Summary Introduction A Program Plan to Develop Heart Disease in West Virginia was developed as a resource to help improve the cardiovascular health of West Virginians. Preventing CVD and improving the health of our residents will take a sustained, concerted effort of individuals and communities on the part of us all. This document will enable communities to develop plans and strategies that will address CVD risk factors. The cardiovascular system is made up of the heart and blood vessels.
Many cardiovascular diseases are preventable.
Most of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke are modifiable or entirely preventable. By modifying risk factors, you decrease the chances of getting diseases. Modifiable risk factors include tobacco use, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, high blood cholesterol, obesity, heavy alcohol consumption, and poor nutrition. Non-modifiable risk factors are age and family history. The more risk factors one has, the higher the risk of developing disease.