---
title: "Cherish Your Heartbeat: AHA launches Charleston campaign to reduce heart disease risk"
id: "aha-news-1-take-control-of-your-heart-health-new-charleston-campaign-encourages-action"
canonical_url: "https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/aha-news-1-take-control-of-your-heart-health-new-charleston-campaign-encourages-action"
content_type: "clinical_feed_article"
specialty: "Cardiology"
source_name: "AHA News (American Heart Association)"
source_url: "https://newsroom.heart.org/local-news/take-control-of-your-heart-health-new-charleston-campaign-encourages-action"
published_at: "2026-09-22T13:53:00.000Z"
evidence_level: "Verified Feed"
license: "CC-BY-NC-4.0 / Informational Use"
---
# Cherish Your Heartbeat: AHA launches Charleston campaign to reduce heart disease risk
## Provenance & Clinical Metadata
- **Canonical URL:** https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/aha-news-1-take-control-of-your-heart-health-new-charleston-campaign-encourages-action
- **Specialty:** [Cardiology](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/cardiology.md)
- **Primary Source:** AHA News (American Heart Association)
- **Source URL:** [Original Journal Publication](https://newsroom.heart.org/local-news/take-control-of-your-heart-health-new-charleston-campaign-encourages-action)
- **Published At:** 2026-09-22T13:53:00.000Z
- **Evidence Rating:** Verified Feed
## Executive GIST (TL;DR)
- The American Heart Association launched the **Cherish Your Heartbeat** public awareness campaign in Charleston to help Lowcountry residents reduce risk of **heart disease** and **stroke**. - The campaign is sponsored by MUSC Health and runs through the fall, urging residents to schedule appointments with health care professionals. - The AHA notes that heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., with key risk factors such as **hypertension**, high cholesterol, and diabetes rising. - In South Carolina, roughly one in three adults have been told they have hypertension; many more may be unaware they have it, per the South Carolina Department of Health. - The campaign encourages people to learn and monitor their key health numbers and to work with clinicians on a personalized plan. - AHA leadership emphasized that understanding personal risk enables meaningful steps to reduce the chance of heart attack or stroke; Anthony Poole, AHA Charleston board chair and MUSC Health quality director, is quoted on this point. - Preventing or managing risk factors involves regular screenings, medication management when appropriate, balanced nutrition, physical activity, and stress management. - The campaign directs individuals to follow the American Heart Association’s **Life's Essential 8** and to learn more at heart.org/risk. - Contact and general AHA information for further inquiries are provided, including media contact and the national AHA phone number; campaign materials and logos are available under the AHA multimedia usage policy. - The AHA reiterated its mission and resources, stating longstanding commitment to research, advocacy, and health information to improve cardiovascular outcomes.
## Clinical Analysis & Structured Key Points
Take control of your heart health: new Charleston campaign encourages action | American Heart Association × --> Search Menu Published: September 22, 2026 Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print CHARLESTON, SC, September 22, 2026 — The American Heart Association has launched "Cherish Your Heartbeat," a new public awareness campaign aimed at helping Lowcountry residents take control of their heart health and reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke. The campaign is sponsored by MUSC Health. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, with many key risk factors, including hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, and diabetes, continuing to rise, according to data reported by the American Heart Association. The public awareness campaign encourages the community to learn and monitor their key health numbers and work with a health care professional to develop a personalized plan. It also highlights how unmanaged risk factors can significantly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. This message is especially critical in South Carolina, where approximately 1 in 3 adults have been told by a doctor they have hypertension, according to the South Carolina Department for Public Health . Many more have it and don't know it. "Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health," said Anthony Poole, board chair of the American Heart Association, Charleston and director of quality assessment and performance improvement, MUSC Health. "When you understand your risk for heart attack or stroke, you can take meaningful steps to reduce it. Start by working with your health care team to create a plan that works for you." Many risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and elevated blood sugar, can be prevented or managed. Regular health screenings, appropriate medication management and healthy lifestyle habits, including balanced nutrition, physical activity, and stress management, all play a critical role in reducing risk. The "Cherish Your Heartbeat" campaign will run through the fall, encouraging Lowcountry residents to prioritize their heart health by scheduling an appointment with a health care professional. In addition, individuals are urged to follow the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 to support health and well-being. Take action today to cherish your heartbeat. Learn more at heart.org/risk . ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org , Facebook , X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries: Jessica Rodgers: Jessica.rodgers@heart.org For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org Related Images American Heart Association Live Fierce Reduce Your Risk American Heart Association, Live Fierce Reduce Your Risk logo copyright: American Heart Association Download (51.2 kB) American Heart Association Live Fierce Reduce Your Risk American Heart Association, Live Fierce Reduce Your Risk logo copyright: American Heart Association Please see AHA/ASA Multimedia Materials Usage Policy . I have read the AHA/ASA Multimedia Materials Usage Policy and agree to the terms of use Download (51.2 kB) File Permalink This link is provided for convenience only and is not an endorsement of either the linked-to entity or any product or service. CLOSE PROCEED
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