How heart healthy are your employees? Making wise choices for good cardiovascular health.

• Author: Hillis, Stan
• Position: VIEWPOINT

FEBRUARY IS HEART Month and America's No. 1 killer, despite improvements in prevention, detection and treatment, remains cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease and stroke. CVD is no longer thought of as a disease that primarily affects aging men since more than half of all deaths occur among women. It often takes people in their prime, claiming nearly 1 million lives each year in the U.S.

CVD also is a significant problem for Indiana's health, as it too is the No. 1 cause of death. According to the most recent figures from the American Heart Association, Indiana was ranked No. 13 of the 50 states for death by heart disease and stroke. Additionally, CVD contributes to significant disability and is responsible for causing kidney failure, aneurysms and limb failure.

Modifying risk factors for heart disease and stroke is one of the best ways to fight cardiovascular disease. Those risk factors include the following: tobacco, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, excess body weight, diabetes and sedentary lifestyle.

Age and the genetic aspect of heart disease are risk factors that cannot be changed. We can neither pick our parents nor our place in the calendar of life. However, each of the other risk factors can be modified. As cardiologists, we feel it is absolutely essential that Americans adopt a more heart-healthy lifestyle in an attempt to improve the death rate from this epidemic. A number of actions will put your employees on the road to heart health.

Discontinuation of cigarette smoking is a must. Exposure to secondhand smoke is a risk factor as well. Many companies and communities offer smoking cessation programs, and individual medically supervised cessation programs are an option as well.

Limit foods with a high content of saturated fat and cholesterol, and avoid trans fatty acids such as those found in commercially prepared foods and snacks.

Achieve a desirable blood pressure level by limiting sodium to 2,400 mg per day and limiting alcohol consumption. Seek the advice of a primary care physician concerning the need for drug...