Arkansas Department of Health: Heart Disease Awareness

press-releases

Published February 2nd, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The Arkansas Department of Health issued a notice highlighting heart disease as the state's leading cause of death. The notice provides information on recognizing heart attack symptoms, the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately, and major risk factors, coinciding with American Heart Month.

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What changed

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has issued a public notice emphasizing that heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Arkansas, with 8,531 deaths in 2024. The notice, released in recognition of American Heart Month, aims to educate the public on recognizing heart attack symptoms, such as chest discomfort, pain in other upper body areas, shortness of breath, and other symptoms like nausea or fatigue, particularly in women. It stresses the critical importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately rather than driving to the hospital.

While this is a public awareness initiative and not a regulatory mandate with specific compliance deadlines or penalties, it serves as a reminder for healthcare providers and the public to be vigilant. The ADH encourages Arkansans to be aware of major risk factors like high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and obesity, and to consult primary care providers for management. The notice also highlights the ADH's work with partners through programs like the Arkansas Heart Attack Ready Hospital (AHAR) program to improve heart attack care within the state.

What to do next

Review and disseminate information on heart attack symptoms and risk factors to relevant staff and patient populations.
Ensure emergency protocols align with the emphasis on immediate 9-1-1 calls for suspected heart attacks.

Source document (simplified)

Heart Disease Remains Arkansas’s Leading Killer: Know the Signs and Call 9-1-1

Arkansas Department of Health
February 2, 2026

Little Rock, Ark. – Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in both the United States
and Arkansas, claiming the lives of 8,531 Arkansans in 2024 alone. This is about one death
every hour of the year.

In recognition of American Heart Month, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) reminds
Arkansans that heart attacks often happen suddenly, and quick action by the patient or
bystanders can mean the difference between life and death. According to Bala Simon, MD,
DrPH, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and State Chronic Disease Director, “Heart disease
continues to be the leading cause of death in Arkansas. Recognizing heart attack symptoms
early and calling 9-1-1 right away allows emergency medical services and hospitals to begin
life-saving treatment as quickly as possible.”

Recognizing a Heart Attack

Heart attack symptoms can vary and may not always be sudden or severe. Common warning
signs include:

Chest discomfort: Pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest that
lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body: Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
Shortness of breath: With or without chest discomfort.
Other symptoms: Cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness, or unusual fatigue – especially in women. If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

Why Calling 9-1-1 Matters

Using emergency medical services allows care to begin sooner, including early diagnosis,
rapid transport to the most appropriate hospital, and faster treatment to restore blood flow to
the heart. Arriving by ambulance can significantly reduce treatment delays and improve
survival.

Major Risk Factors for Heart Attack

The leading risk factors include:

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking
Diabetes
Obesity and physical inactivity
Family history of heart disease Many of these risk factors are preventable or manageable. Arkansans are encouraged to see their primary care provider regularly and take steps such as eating a heart-healthy diet, staying physically active, quitting smoking, and managing blood pressure and cholesterol.

Advancing Heart Attack Care in Arkansas

ADH works with hospitals, emergency medical services, and statewide partners through
initiatives such as the Arkansas Heart Attack Ready Hospital (AHAR) program to ensure
Arkansans receive timely, high-quality heart attack care.

The message during American Heart Month is clear: Know the signs. Call 9-1-1. Act fast.
For more information on heart attack prevention and heart health in Arkansas, visit
www.healthy.arkansas.gov.

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