The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) recently released the 2019 Guidelines on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. This year alone, one in four adults in the United States will die as a result of this disease. Obesity is the root cause of most chronic illnesses, and in Michigan 32 percent of adults are obese.

The good news is that cardiovascular disease and obesity can be prevented by living and adopting a healthy lifestyle which includes maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, quitting tobacco and reducing sodium intake.

The ACC/AHA guidelines recommend providers evaluate for cardiovascular disease using the 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk estimator tool and statin therapy for treatment for primary prevention of ASCVD in patients with high cholesterol, diabetes or individuals ages 10-75 who are at significant risk for ASCVD. It is also recommended that target blood pressure be 130 systolic over 80 diastolic.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Cardiovascular Health Nutrition and Physical Activity Section is working to create a heart-healthy and stroke-free Michigan by increasing physical activity and healthy eating, reducing health disparities and preventing and controlling other cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Partners in healthcare, education, government and business are working to create healthy communities to make the healthy choice an easier choice for all Michiganders in places where we live, work, learn and play.

MDHHS is promoting the Michigan Health and Wellness 4 x 4 Plan to address the public health crisis of obesity and chronic disease. This plan is a call to action to achieve four healthy behaviors and reduce obesity-related chronic disease with small, steady steps to eat healthier and become more active.

The four healthy behaviors are: maintaining a healthy diet; engaging in regular exercise; getting an annual physical exam; and avoiding all tobacco use. The plan also recommends keeping body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose in control.

For more information and resources on preventing cardiovascular disease and healthy living, visit Michigan.gov/cvh and the Michigan 4 X 4 Health and Wellness Plan website at Michigan.gov/healthymichigan/.