With the high level of preventable deaths and the rising costs of treating the diseases, this month has been recognized as Heart Health Month. Doctor at Washington County Hospital, Stephen Schomer says almost 1 million heart attacks occur every year in the United States alone. Things that are putting Americans at risk of heart disease and heart attacks include poor control of blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. Schomer says seeing a physician regularly can be the single most important step to take to reduce or control your risk. He says that way you can identify your risks and take the necessary steps.

Treating risk factors is the most cost effective way of preventing heart disease.

He adds the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that coronary artery disease costs the United States $108.9 billion yearly, making it the leading cost associated with health care.

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