The Village of Oak Park | 123 Madison St.  Oak Park, IL 60302 | village@oak-park.us

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Officials encourage residents to learn about heart disease risk

Feb. 3, 2020 - Oak Park public health officials are encouraging residents to learn about the leading cause of death for both men and women as part of American Heart Month this February.

According to the CDC, one out of every four deaths in the United States is the result of heart disease. Data presented within the 2017 Oak Park River Forest Community Health Plan showed that heart disease mortality for Oak Park was 219.4 per 100,000 residents, which exceeded the national benchmark of 203.2 deaths per 100,000 residents. And the disease is happening to younger adults more and more often. 

Given these realities, officials say knowing the warning signs for heart disease can be vital for survival.

Residents are invited to learn about the heart health habits cardiologists follow to prevent heart problems at an educational seminar presented by Melissa Tracey, MD, Cardiologist. The seminar will be at 6 p.m. on Feb. 13 at the Rush Medical Office Building, 610 S Maple Ave., Suite 2000. Click here to register for the free event.

Everyone is at risk for heart disease, but individuals are at higher risk for heart disease if they have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, smoke, are overweight or obese, don’t get enough physical activity or don’t eat a healthy diet.

To prevent heart disease, you can:

  • Eat healthy
  • Get active
  • Stay at a healthy weight
  • Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke
  • Control your cholesterol and blood pressure
  • Drink alcohol only in moderation
  • Manage stress

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults age 40 and older get their blood pressure checked once a year. Adults age 18 to 40 are encouraged to have their blood pressure checked every three to five years.

For additional resources about preventing heart disease, follow the links below or contact the Village’s Department of Public Health at health@oak-park.us or 708.358.5480.

Heat disease prevention resources: