INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and stroke is the second. The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association are working to prevent this through their annual Leaders of Impact campaign.

What is the Leaders of Impact campaign? 

It is a 7-week campaign for hand-selected community leaders to raise money and awareness for cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks and strokes. The money funds research and advocacy to help save lives and improve health equity. 

This campaign is personal

I have had many family members affected by cardiovascular disease. My father suffered a cardiac arrest in his 50s and died during my sophomore year of high school. He had a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.  

Three years ago, my mother had a stroke. She had to learn how to walk again and depend heavily on her left side, despite being right-handed, due to weakness on her right side. She gets around with a walker most of the time, but needs a motorized scooter for longer distances. My mother also has a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea, risk factors for stroke. If not for my family’s medical background (one of my sisters is a former trauma/emergency medicine nurse, and another sister has been a physical therapist for the past 20 years), I believe my mother’s outcome would have been much worse.   

My maternal grandmother also has a history of cardiovascular disease, having a heart attack in her 40s. Thanks to family support, lifestyle changes, and a remarkable medical team, my grandmother is able to celebrate her 90th birthday. 

My mother’s youngest brother, a Sergeant First Class in the US Army, died at 49 years old from a heart attack, at the beginning of my family medicine internship. He also had a history of high blood pressure. I also have a maternal aunt who had a heart attack at 53 years old.

Health disparities and racism

You may feel that my family history is quite similar to yours or quite the opposite. One thing for sure, those from Black and Brown communities are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and death from cardiovascular disease like my dad and uncle. Some of this may be due to many living in areas with lack of access to nutritious foods, safe spaces for physical activity and healthcare, due to systemic inequities. The American Heart Association is doing the work to combat this, with the help of funds from the Leaders of Impact campaign.

Prevention and choosing you

My family history is what drives me to center my personal wellbeing and advocate for my patients and the community at large to do the same. It is important to treat underlying health conditions with lifestyle changes, as this can prevent 80% of cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends the Essential 8 wellness measures to improve the cardiovascular health of children and adults.

1. Whole food nutrition with minimal processed foods.

2. At least 2.5 hours of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity weekly; children should have 60 minutes of daily play and structured physical activity.

3. Quit smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping.

4. 7-9 hours of sleep nightly for adults. 10-16 hours for children ages 5 and younger, including naps; 9-12 hours for children ages 6-12; and 8-10 hours for children ages 13-18.

5. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

6. Keep bad cholesterol low.

7. Keep blood sugar controlled (by reducing consumption of processed carbohydrates and saturated fat, getting adequate sleep and being physically active).

8. Keep blood pressure not higher than 120/80.

Please note, there are times when medication and/or procedures are recommended in addition to lifestyle changes. Take heed to recommendations from your healthcare team regarding your medical conditions.

Thank you in advance for supporting our campaign to save lives!! No donation is too small. Donations are tax-deductible and employer matching is available. The campaign ends on Dec. 4 at 9 p.m. EST.