Cardiovascular Health Project

The Virginia Cardiovascular Health Project (VCHP) seeks to lessen the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and improve the cardiovascular health of Virginians. It does this by encouraging changes in policy and the environment that promote healthy eating habits and physical activity throughout the state.

Cardiovascular Disease in Virginia

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of Virginians. In 1998, deaths due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) accounted for 39% or 20,744 of 53,629 total deaths in Virginia.

Leading Causes of Death, Virginia 1998

What is cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease is a disorder of the heart ("cardio") and blood vessels ("vascular"). Two common consequences of untreated CVD are heart attacks and strokes. CVDs include diseases of the heart, hypertensive diseases, cerebrovascular disease (strokes), atherosclerosis and other diseases of arteries, arterioles and capillaries. Diseases of the heart accounted for 76% of all cardiovascular deaths in Virginia in 1998. Cerebrovascular disease, the third leading cause of death nationally and in Virginia, was responsible for 7% of all deaths in Virginia (3,972 of 53,629) and 18% of all cardiovascular deaths.

Distribution of Cardiovascular Disease Deaths, Virginia 1998

Who's at risk of developing CVD?
The people at the highest risk are those who:

• Smoke cigarettes
• Have moderate to high blood pressure
• Have a high cholesterol level
• Are physically inactive
• Have diabetes
• Have CVD in their heredity

Other factors include diet, weight, stress, gender, and age.

How can I reduce my risk of developing CVD?

• Have a regular medical checkup
• Stop smoking
• Be physically active
• Maintain your proper weight
• Reduce stress and tension in your life
• Eat a well balanced healthy diet (low in saturated fats and cholesterol)
• Have your blood pressure checked regularly
• Limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine

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