In This Issue

Women on stretcher being put in ambulance by EMTs

Cardiovascular events continue to devastate lives, livelihoods, and entire communities. Yet many cases of heart disease and stroke are preventable! A new CDC Vital Signs report shows that while some progress is being made in preventing these events, it is not happening widely or quickly enough, and not for all Americans—even middle-aged adults are being hit hard.

The cure does not depend on a new miracle drug or device—in fact, we already know the solution. Small changes, sustained over time, can prevent millions of cardiac events. The Vital Signs report outlines opportunities that exist for everyone—employers, clinicians, public health professionals, communities, and more—to make small changes that work to prevent heart attacks and stroke.

You are likely already using some of these strategies in the important work you do. We hope the Vital Signs report brings attention to your efforts and inspires new actions you can take to advance the progress you’ve already made. (Review the related Morbidity andMortality Weekly Report to see how your state is doing.)

Here’s one action you can take right now: Read the latest Vital Signs report; discover how you can make small changes in your own life, community, and care setting; and share what you learn and discuss solutions with your peers. Join me in using this opportunity to its fullest potential: preventing 1 million heart attacks and strokes!

—Janet Wright, MD, FACC

Executive Director, Million Hearts®

Read the Vital Signs Report

Do This!

Use the Vital Signs report to advance your important work! Discover unique strategies and state-level data to inspire action, and then share your Million Hearts® story on social media using #VitalSigns. Find even more information and resources in the Vital Signs Partner Toolkit.

Check Out the Million Hearts® Vital Signs Partner Toolkit