Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Oklahoma, as it is nationally, and the state has consistently ranked among those with the highest heart disease death rates in CDC data. Often called a "silent killer," heart disease frequently goes undetected until a serious event occurs. The good news is that much of it can be prevented or caught early.

Key Points

• Oklahoma's heart disease death rate has historically been well above the national average.
• Obesity, smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes are major contributors.
• Death rates vary by sex and by racial and ethnic group.
• Lifestyle changes and early detection can significantly lower risk.

The Picture in Oklahoma

Health officials point to high rates of obesity, tobacco use and other risk factors as key drivers of heart disease in the state. Oklahoma State Department of Health data have shown that men die of heart disease at higher rates than women and that American Indian and Black Oklahomans have experienced some of the highest heart disease death rates. While heart disease deaths have declined over the decades, Oklahoma's progress has generally lagged behind the rest of the country — making awareness and early detection especially important.

Warning Signs

Heart disease doesn't always cause obvious symptoms like chest pain or a racing heart. Signs to take seriously include:

• Shortness of breath: especially at rest or with light activity. Call 911 if it comes with chest pain or sudden sweating.
• Persistent cough: which can be a sign of fluid in the lungs from heart failure.
• Lightheadedness: associated with heart attacks and irregular heart rhythms.
• Chest tightness or pressure: which may be mild or intense.
• Unusual weakness or fatigue: a possible sign of heart attack or heart failure.

Prevention

Most people can lower their risk through:

• A healthy diet low in saturated fat and sodium
• Losing excess weight and keeping it off
• Managing stress
• Quitting smoking
• Regular physical activity
• Controlling diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol

Early Detection

Because many people have no symptoms, imaging can play an important role. A low-dose CT heart scan creates detailed images of the coronary arteries and measures calcium deposits — a sign of plaque — giving people time to act before a heart attack. Advanced Body Scan offers heart scans at its Oklahoma City center, along with the more detailed HeartIQ scan.

The Takeaway

Oklahomans face higher-than-average heart disease risk, but that risk can be changed. Know your numbers, build heart-healthy habits and talk with your doctor about whether early detection makes sense for you.