Heart Disease Now Responsible for 1 in 3 Deaths

Roughly one in three deaths in the United States are the result of heart disease or stroke, according to a new report published by the American Heart Association (AHA).

Researchers say that 801,000 Americans died from heart disease in 2013, making it the country's leading cause of death. Heart disease consists of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and artery/valve diseases. Coronary disease alone is responsible for more than 370,000 deaths, says the reports authors.

The report also found some contrasting differences in terms of race. According to researchers, African Americans were nearly twice as likely to sustain a heart attack or stroke in 2013. In that year, 750,000 African Americans had a stroke, resulting in an estimated 116,000 deaths.

Not surprisingly, researchers found smoking to be a prime risk factor of heart disease. While rates of smoking in the United States have declined by roughly 30% since 1998, 19% of men and 15% of women had admitted to lighting up in 2013. And nearly one in three adults said they did not do any physical activity outside of their job.

"We’ve made progress in the fight against cardiovascular disease, but the battle is not won,” said AHA President Dr. Mark Creager, director of the Heart and Vascular Center at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. “We need to maintain our vigor and resolve in promoting good cardiovascular health through lifestyle and recognition and treatment of risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and smoking."

So, what steps can you take to lower your risk of heart disease? Among the most important steps is exercising, with a particular focus on cardiovascular exercise like jogging, running, biking, etc. Any activity that gets your heart pumping fast will naturally strengthen it; thus, protecting it against heart disease and stroke. A good rule of thumb is to strike for a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise per day.

In addition to exercise, you should also reevaluate your diet. Consuming a diet that's high in processed foods will only further weaken your heart. Base your diet around lean meats, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grains, while limiting your intake of refined sugars, sodium, and saturated fats.