Why Our Hearts Are In It

By James Dralle, M.D., Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery, the Heart and Vascular Institute, AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center

On the cardiovascular health front, there’s good news and not-so-good news. The good news: thanks to advancements in surgical procedures, countless lives have been saved, leading to an overall decline in heart disease and stroke deaths.

That said, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. and in New Jersey. Some of the contributing factors include higher obesity and diabetes rates, drug and alcohol use, high blood pressure, stress and lack of exercise.

Our Hearts Are In It, a three-year program meant to engage our community around improving their cardiovascular health.

Over the course of the next three years, we’re planning a series of events and partnerships—such as a forming a running club and hosting a healthy food truck festival. We want to highlight the need for regular screenings, exercise, stress prevention and healthy eating and nutrition in maintaining a healthy heart and lowering risk for heart disease.

The first step to joining us in Our Hearts Are In It is to take our fast, free and easy online heart risk assessment. If you find out you are at risk for heart disease, we can help. Our board-certified cardiologists can work with you to develop a comprehensive care plan. Call 888-569-1000 to schedule an appointment.

Stay tuned to our website and social media for information about upcoming community events related to Our Hearts Are In It.

As the region’s only full-service cardiac program, we’re committed to healing the hearts of our community. Our hearts are in it—and we hope yours are, too.