The latest federal statistics show more progress in the fight against heart disease and stroke, the No. 1 and No. 4 causes of death in America. Here’s a look at the latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Heart Disease

Stroke

THE FIGHT AGAINST HEART DISEASE AND STROKE

Laws creating healthier environments

Increased awareness about healthy living

Better emergency care

Improved diagnosis and treatments for patients

Fewer people smoking, and lower blood pressure and total cholesterol levels

Scientific research and medical Advances

Experts attribute many factors to the decline in deaths over the years, including:

HEART DISEASE AND STROKE DEATHS

(Death rates are the number of deaths per 100,000 people)

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100

200

300

400

500

600

1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2012