world heart day — september 29

Published Wednesday, September 21, 2011

As part of a nationwide program to Improve Health for Populations and Communities, Stratis Health is forming a collaborative to work with Minnesota physician offices to improve coordination of preventive services to reduce cardiac risk factors through the use of electronic health records.

The world’s leading causes of death, heart disease and stroke, claim 17.1 million lives each year. However, 80 percent of these deaths are avoidable when the main risk factors—tobacco use, unhealthful diet, and physical inactivity—are controlled.

We are working with medical experts, community partners, and physician offices to improve the following
therapies:

• Appropriate low-dose aspirin therapy use in patients with ischemic vascular disease
• Blood pressure control in patients with hypertension
• LDL-C control among adults with ischemic vascular disease
• Tobacco cessation screening and counseling

If you are interested in joining the collaborative or would like to learn more about the work, contact Jerri Hiniker, 952-853-8540.

Observe World Heart Day and increase awareness among your patients and staff of the risks associated with heart disease and stroke. Encourage your providers, staff, patients, and partners to wear red on September 29. For more information about heart disease and stroke prevention, review or download the following educational resources:

• For patients
• For providers
• Prevention
• Lowering blood pressure
• World Heart Federation
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention