| WV | DHHR | BPH | OEHP |
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Tobacco and Cardiovascular Disease
Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Disease
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| Summary |
CVD is a major public health problem. In 1994, the estimated direct (medical care) and indirect (lost productivity) cost of cardiovascular disease in West Virginia was more than $8 hundred million. This is approximately $500 for each person in West Virginia(1). Successful prevention efforts will require adequate resources for leadership, organizational and financial management, as well as for planning and implementation. Collaborative partnerships between many organizations at the state, local and even national level will be another critical element for success.
It is important to note that the risk factors emphasized in this document are only a component of the overall goal to reduce cardiovascular disease. Beyond risk factors are also other issues such as: education, income, access to care, geography, etc., that can hinder healthy lifestyles in general. Again, these are all reasons why many partners need to be working together towards improving the overall health of West Virginians.
Addressing the risk factors of tobacco use, physical inactivity and unhealthy eating will not only reduce CVD, but should also reduce cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Efforts to address these chronic diseases will not only assist in reducing CVD, but will improve the overall health of West Virginians. Together, we all have a role to play.
1. U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, State Cardiovascular Disease Highlights, 1997, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. For copies of this CDC document, contact the Cardiovascular Health Branch, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, MS K-45, 4770 Buford Highway, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30341-3724, phone (770) 488-5269.