About Cardiovascular Disease CVD is our nation s leading cause of death. Nearly 960,000 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each year. Ten million Americans are disabled as a result of stroke and heart disease.
Smokers have twice the risk of heart attack as nonsmokers.
Sedentary people have twice the risk of heart disease as those who are physically active. Other states use the funds to conduct research and surveillance so they can more accurately define the burden of cardiovascular disease. In addition, CDC is working with state and national partners to develop a national comprehensive CVD prevention program plan.