Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program was established in 2002 as part of the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant. The program is currently funded through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease and stroke, is the leading cause of the death both nationally and in Arizona. In 2003, 30% of all Arizona deaths were a result of cardiovascular disease. Many of the risk factors for heart disease and stroke, including poor nutrition, physical inactivity and tobacco use, are behaviors that can be modified to prevent as well as delay the development of cardiovascular disease.

The goals of the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program are to:

• Reduce the number of coronary deaths in Arizona by 25% by the year 2010.
• Reduce the number of stroke deaths in Arizona by 20% by the year 2010.
• Decrease the number of Arizonans diagnosed with cardiovascular disease by 20% by the year 2020.
• Increase the proportion of adults aged 20 years and older that are aware of the early signs and symptoms of a heart attack and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention.
• Increase the proportion of adults aged 20 years and older that are aware of the early signs and symptoms of a stroke and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention.
• Establish a surveillance system to accurately identify the true burden of cardiovascular disease in Arizona.
• Establish a core team, comprised of key stakeholders, that will advise the ADHS Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program on the activities necessary to meet the long-term state plan objectives.

For additional information about the ADHS Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program, call (602) 542-1214 or toll-free at 888-542-1886 or FAX: (602) 542-0512.