The Million Hearts project is an unprecedented effort to improve the quality of treatment and reduce the number of people who need it
While Americans are living longer than ever before, too many die or are disabled young from heart attacks and stroke. Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death for men and women of all races and ethnicities in the United States, and it costs $444 billion every year in medical bills and lost productivity. While we have made some progress, it's time to ramp up our efforts, and I think this is one of the most important and exciting health initiatives I've seen in recent years.
Million Hearts is an unprecedented effort to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes over the next five years. Million Hearts will do this by improving the quality of treatment, and, through prevention, reducing the number of people who need treatment. Nearly half of American adults have uncontrolled high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or smoke -- yet these can be prevented or controlled. Through this initiative, Americans will be empowered to make healthy choices, such as quitting tobacco use, and reducing sodium and trans fat consumption. Another goal of the initiative is to improve care for people who need treatment by getting them to learn and follow their ABCS: Aspirin for people at risk, Blood pressure control, Cholesterol management, and Smoking cessation.