{"id":10479,"date":"2021-01-08T12:41:28","date_gmt":"2021-01-08T17:41:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/?page_id=10479"},"modified":"2026-09-29T08:46:24","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T12:46:24","slug":"press-releases","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/press-releases\/","title":{"rendered":"Press Releases"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Share the Importance of Heart Health 2026<\/h1> <\/header>\n\n \n
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: <\/strong>September 29, 2026<\/p>\n

Media Contact:<\/strong> Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

World Heart Day is Sept. 29<\/em><\/p>\n

RICHMOND, Va.<\/strong> \u2013 Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) remind you to add healthy habits into your daily lives to lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. Heart disease is the number one cause of death<\/a> in Virginia. Lifestyle changes<\/a> such as scheduling regular medical checkups, increasing physical activity, eating a healthy diet, giving up tobacco, and managing chronic conditions can decrease your risk of experiencing heart-related issues. World Heart Day<\/a> is Sept. 29.<\/p>\n

\u201cHeart disease is the leading cause of death in Richmond City, Henrico County, and in Virginia as a whole,\u201d said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Population Health Community Coordinator Caroline Best. \u201cRichmond and Henrico have higher rates of heart disease deaths and hospitalizations compared to state averages. We can improve community heart health by increasing access to healthcare, nutritious foods, and places to stay active.\u201d<\/p>\n

Heart disease risk factors<\/h2>\n

Risk factors for heart disease<\/a> and stroke<\/a> include:<\/p>\n