About Heart Health

What is Heart Disease...

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both the U.S. and Utah, and it affects people and communities in different ways. When the heart isn’t healthy, it can impact the whole body and make everyday life more difficult. Many risk factors for heart disease can be prevented or managed with the right information, care, and support.

Below are resources to help you understand your risk and take meaningful steps toward a healthier heart, no matter where you’re starting from.

Risk Factors:

Many different factors can increase a person’s risk of developing heart disease, including:

High blood pressure (hypertension)
High cholesterol
Type 2 diabetes
Chronic kidney disease
Overweight/obesity
Lack of physical activity
Tobacco use (including vaping)
Diet high in sodium, sugar, and fat
Family history of heart disease

Many of these risk factors can be reduced or managed through lifestyle changes, medical care, and community support programs.

Because high blood pressure and high cholesterol are the most common (and most manageable) heart disease risk factors, you’ll find more information about those conditions below.

High blood pressure (hypertension)

High blood pressure is one of the most common and preventable risk factors for heart disease. In Utah, 27.3% of adults have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, but the actual rate is likely higher. It’s often called “the silent killer” because most people with high blood pressure do not have any symptoms, so many don’t realize their blood pressure is elevated. A diagnosis can only be confirmed by a healthcare professional.

Keeping blood pressure in a healthy range can help prevent heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious health problems.

What is high blood pressure?

Blood pressure measures how hard your blood pushes against the walls of your blood vessels. When this pressure is consistently too high, it can damage your arteries and heart over time. High blood pressure can affect people of all ages.

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is another common risk factor for heart disease. Many people don’t feel any symptoms, which means the only way to know your levels is through a blood test (lipid panel).

Cholesterol is a type of fat in your blood. When levels of LDL (“bad” cholesterol) are too high, it can build up in your arteries and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Cholesterol is preventable and manageable, especially when identified early.

How to get your cholesterol checked:

A simple cholesterol test is available through your health care provider, clinic, or any lab that offers routine screenings. Results help you and your provider decide if lifestyle changes or medications may help lower your risk.

IHC screening services: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/services/heart-vascular-care
U of U screening services: https://healthcare.utah.edu/integrative-health/whole-person-health/movement-fitness/testing/cholesterol-a1c-screening

Preventing and managing high blood pressure and high cholesterol can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease. The resources and tips below can help you understand your numbers, make healthy changes, and connect with care when you need it.

Check your blood pressure:

Knowing your numbers is an important first step. You can:
Get your blood pressure checked at any clinic or most major pharmacy retailers
Use a home blood pressure monitor
View our map of blood pressure lending libraries to find places where you can check your BP or borrow a monitor

Healthy habits for your heart:

Small, realistic changes can make a big difference over time. These changes include:
Eating a heart-healthy diet
Limiting alcohol to recommended guidelines
Being physically active most days
Quitting smoking or vaping
Working toward a healthy weight in a sustainable way

Partner with your health care provider:

Your provider can help you make a plan that fits your lifestyle:
Ask how often to check your blood pressure and cholesterol
Discuss treatment options if your numbers are high
Take medications exactly as prescribed
Schedule follow-up visits to track your progress

Find support in your community:

Local health departments, clinics, and community organizations may offer programs that support:
Healthy eating
Physical activity
Tobacco cessation
Diabetes Prevention and Management
Healthy Aging

If cost, transportation, or other challenges make it hard to get care, reach out to your provider or local health department to learn what resources are available.