Overview and Goals of the 
Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes a variety of heart and blood vessel diseases, such as heart attack (coronary artery disease), high blood pressure (hypertension), and brain attack (stroke).  Coronary artery disease is the number one cause of death in Wisconsin since 1992.  Stroke is the number three cause of death in Wisconsin during the same time period.  CVD is a major public health concern due to its high death rates and disability rates in Wisconsin.  By addressing risk factors, such as eliminating the use of tobacco, increasing physical activity, and making informed nutritional choices, there is great potential for prevention of CVD. 

The Wisconsin Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program is building partnerships with residents, advocacy groups, health organizations, health professionals, local health departments, and other governmental and non-governmental agencies to decrease risk factors for heart disease and stroke.  The program promotes opportunities to expand and support balanced, healthy choices for both adults and children by increasing the awareness of state residents, businesses and communities of the need for increased physical activity, reduction of obesity, and proper nutrition for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and stroke.  One effort to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in Wisconsin is the Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Initiative.

The HDSP Program has four (4) goals:

1. Scientific Capacity and Epidemiology: 

Review and define the cardiovascular disease and stroke problems, incidence, and associated risk factors in Wisconsin.

2. Environmental and Policy Strategies:

Develop and coordinate programs with healthcare partners, and community and advocacy groups to reduce the risk factors and incidence of heart diseases, with a focus on heart healthy policies and physical and social environmental changes.

3. Community Involvement:

Join citizens and health professionals working towards community programs to decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke, promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles to address primary and secondary prevention.

4. Statewide Coordination:

Work with the Cardiovascular Health Alliance, local health departments, and other organizations to coordinate cardiovascular health projects in Wisconsin.

Last Revised: June 06, 2008