The mission of the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program is to improve cardiovascular health, reduce the burden, and eliminate disparities associated with heart disease and stroke. The program focuses on both primary and secondaryprevention, detection, and monitoring of heart disease and stroke within South Dakota.We aim to prevent heart disease and stroke through public and professional education with the intention of empowering individuals and communities to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors and build skills to initiate environmental and policy change strategies.

Heart disease and stroke are the first and third leading causes of death in both South Dakota and the United States. These statistics are true for both men and women in all racial and ethnic groups.
The risk of heart disease and stroke can be reduced by taking steps to prevent and control the risk factors that put people at greater risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Additionally, knowing the signs and symptoms of both heart attack and stroke, calling 911 right away, and getting to a hospital are critical to survival. It is important to note that people who have already had a heart attack or stroke can also work to reduce their risk of future events by controlling their risk factors. The more risk factors you have, the higher your risk of developing heart disease or stroke.
Controllable risk factors that affect your risk of heart disease and stroke
Uncontrollable risk factors that affect your risk of heart disease and stroke
See your healthcare provider today to assess your risk for heart disease and stroke. Get empowered and take an active role in your healthcare by asking questions and knowing your numbers for blood pressure and cholesterol so that you can be informed and make the necessary changes to live a longer, healthier life.
Contact Information
Pamela Schochenmaier, Coordinator
Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program
South Dakota Department of Health
615 East 4th Street, Pierre
(605) 773-3737
email
The Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program is reflected in the Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion 2020 Strategic Map - the vision is that all South Dakotans will enjoy healthy lives free from the devastation of chronic diseases.