Bolling Announces Decrease in Heart-Related Deaths

Famous people suffering heart attacks often make the news, like Dick Cheney's recent one. Cheney left the hospital Wednesday morning, reportedly in good health.

Doctors aren't always successful in saving heart patients. In Virginia, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling says cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death.

Bolling says, in the five years he's been in public office, he's focused on getting citizens heart healthy. He adds 60 percent of people in the state are overweight, are are nearly 70 percent of state workers.

With health care cuts looming, Bolling hopes prevention will help with savings.

"Logically, I think when people are living healthier lifestyles, whether it's cardiovascular disease or any other aspect, that will have a substantial impact on the cost of health care, on the cost of health insurance and for the state, on the Medicare program. It will save money," says Bolling.

Health officials say obesity, smoking and high blood pressure are all causes of cardiovascular disease.