Skip to main content

What is Heart Disease?

The term heart disease refers to many conditions that affect the heart. The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease. This is where blood flow to the heart is restricted and can cause a heart attack.

Heart Healthy Ambassador Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program

This four-month program is for adults 18 or older that have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and/or are taking medication to help lower their blood pressure.

You don’t have to be a health and fitness expert to live a healthier life. You have the power to learn more and make the choices that are best for you and your schedule. Try simple things like a healthier snack, getting in a few extra steps, or learning more about healthy blood pressure numbers – your heart is counting on you.

Heart Disease in Oklahoma

  • In 2020, heart disease was the leading cause of death in Oklahoma. One out of every four deaths were from heart disease.
  • The risk of dying from heart disease increases with age. 
  • Men are more likely to die from heart disease than women.
  • African Americans and American Indians are more likely to die from heart disease than any other race.
  • Only about one in four adults with high blood pressure have their condition under control.

Risk Factors

There are many factors that can lead to heart disease:

  • Family history of heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Tobacco use
  • Diabetes
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Following an unhealthy diet
  • Physically inactive

Prevention and Management

If you are at risk for or living with heart disease, there are many things you can do to help either prevent or manage it:

  • Follow a healthy diet
  • Get at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week
  • Lose weight
  • Schedule regular lab work
  • Take medications as prescribed
  • Quit smoking
  • Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure measures how hard blood pushes against artery walls as it moves from the heart to the rest of the body. Readings have two numbers:

  • Systolic (top number): pressure when the heart beats
  • Diastolic (bottom number): pressure when the heart rests

Normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mmHg or lower. High blood pressure (hypertension) is typically 130/80 mmHg or higher and can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke if left untreated.

People with high blood pressure should talk with a health care provider, monitor their blood pressure at home through a Self-Measured Blood Pressure (SMBP) program and make healthy lifestyle changes. Medication may also be needed to keep blood pressure under control.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in the blood that the body uses to make hormones and support healthy cells. The liver makes all the cholesterol the body needs, but some people produce too much due to genetics, diet or lifestyle.

There are two main types:

  • LDL (bad cholesterol) can build up in blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • HDL (good cholesterol) helps remove LDL from the blood and protects heart health.

High cholesterol happens when LDL or total cholesterol is too high or HDL is too low. People with unhealthy cholesterol levels should talk with a health care provider, make heart-healthy lifestyle changes and may need medication.

Stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency that happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. Ischemic strokes are caused by blockages. Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by bleeding in the brain.

Time lost is brain lost. If you notice stroke symptoms, call 9-1-1 right away. Fast treatment can reduce disability and save lives.

Stroke is a leading cause of serious disability in the United States and a major cause of death in Oklahoma.

Many strokes can be prevented. Lower your risk by managing high blood pressure, high cholesterol and blood sugar, eating healthy, staying active and avoiding tobacco.

The Heart Disease and Diabetes Prevention program oversees federal funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Funding allows contractors to work on proven strategies in heart disease care across the state. Work is being done in three main areas: 

  1. Improving access to care.
  2. Connecting more people to heart disease prevention and self-management programs.
  3. Promoting healthy behaviors. 

Contact Information

Phone: (405) 426-8300
Fax: (405) 900-7610
Email: Center@health.ok.gov

Back to Top