Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Education

Overview

Heart disease and stroke are leading health concerns in Alaska. About 1 in 3 (32%) adults has been diagnosed with high blood pressure. Many more have high blood pressure or high cholesterol without knowing it. These conditions increase the risk of serious health problems, including heart attacks and strokes. 

Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol can improve heart and brain health, save lives, and reduce costly medical care.

What you can do

People

• Know your numbers: Ask your healthcare provider about screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
• Make healthy choices: Eat more fruits and vegetables, stay active, and avoid tobacco
• Join support programs: Participate in Alaska’s Fresh Start campaign  to manage high blood pressure and other chronic diseases
• Quit tobacco: Call Alaska’s Tobacco Quit Line for support to quit smoking, chewing, or vaping

Communities

• Promote tobacco-free environments: Support policies that reduce exposure to secondhand smoke
• Expand access to healthy living: Provide opportunities for physical activity and nutritious foods.
• Host health screenings: Offer screenings for blood pressure and cholesterol at places like pharmacies, workplaces, and fire stations
• Encourage local wellness initiatives: Support local walking groups, farmers’ markets, and community gardens

Health Care Providers

• Improve screening practices: Train staff to take accurate blood pressure measurements and offer additional screenings
• Educate patients: Provide guidance on monitoring their blood pressure and connecting with local resources
• Enhance referral systems: Use electronic health records to refer patients to prevention and management programs
• Connect patients to support programs: Refer patients to programs to help lower high blood pressure. The programs are in-person in several communities or online through Alaska’s Fresh Start campaign.

Together, we can make a difference 

By working together, individuals, communities, and healthcare providers can help prevent heart disease and stroke, improve health, and reduce healthcare costs across Alaska. 
For more information, contact us for resources and support. 

Resources

Program Contacts

Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention3601 Street, Suite 722,Anchorage, AK 99503P.O. Box 240249Anchorage, AK 99524-0249heart@alaska.gov

Program ManagerAshley Minaei, MPH, CPHPublic Health Specialist IIAshley.Minaei@alaska.gov907-269-8035