Consumer Health Information: Heart Disease Resources

(http://www.americanheart.org/) This is the official website of the American Heart Association, with links to the American Stroke Association (http://strokeassociation.org), a division of the AHA. The "Heart and Stroke A-Z Guide" provides a broad spectrum of information, including warnings signs for heart disease and stroke, an easy-to-use reference guide, a legislative action package, family health information (nutrition, exercise, children, programs or books), risk awareness for patients, scientific and professional information, solicitation options for volunteers, local AHA chapters, and donations. There is information on everything from scientific guidelines to training guides to ads for the Jump Rope for Heart program or The American Heart Walk. Of special note are the public advocacy pages with legislative priorities. Sponsorship is clear, content is factual, and policy briefs are clearly identified as such.

(http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/). Part of the CDC, this agency's purpose is to enable people in an increasingly diverse society to lead long, healthy, satisfying lives. Since heart disease and stroke are the first and third leading causes of death in the United States, cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and health promotion programs are major priorities. The Cardiovascular Health page provides international, national, and state-level programs, along with statistical information and fact sheets. In 1998, the CDC received funding for states to develop comprehensive cardiovascular health programs; this agency coordinates these efforts.

(http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-disease/HB99999 or http://www.mayohealth.org/home/). Experts of the Mayo Clinic offer extensive information on coronary artery disease, preventing heart disease, high blood pressure,circulatory problems, and methods of treatment and prevention. Selecting Heart & Blood Vessels under Condition Centers or Diseases & Conditions A-Z provides links to qualitative information and further links. The site fosters taking charge of one's health via scorecards, planners, etc.

(http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/). Part of NIH, this agency provides leadership for a national program in diseases of the heart, blood vessels, lung and blood, blood resources, and sleep disorders. Since October 1997 it also has administrative responsibilities for the NIH Woman's Health Initiative. The site provides an array of basic and specific heart and vascular disease information, covering topics such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and obesity, and offers resources for Latino users. A lengthy list of the agency's reports and scientific documents is available, and the agency maintains its own database of clinical trials and studies seeking patients.