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Heart health message to the Iowa State community

February 01, 2023

Image: Christopher Gannon

People walking across central campus during fall

The heart-themed decorations and desserts you may see leading up to Valentine’s Day can also serve as reminders to take time to focus on your cardiovascular health.

February is American Heart Month, which is why we want to share some information and resources about how you can join us in pursuing heart health in our community.

The Facts

Nearly 141,000 people in Iowa have coronary heart disease, a common and preventable form of the condition, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that “nearly 1 in 2 U.S. adults have hypertension, yet only about 1 in 4 have it under control.”

Unfortunately, not all heart health issues are preventable, like heart defects that are present at birth. According to the CDC, “heart defects are the most common type of birth defect” in the United States, and nearly “40,000 babies are born with a heart defect each year.”

The prevalence of heart diseases and defects within our community means that you could be present when someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest.

Heart Health at Iowa State University

Iowa State University is committed to the health and safety of its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The university’s Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) supports this commitment through the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) program. The goal of this AED program is to increase the rate of survival of people who experience sudden cardiac arrests.

Iowa State’s AED program was designed to provide equipment and training as an important means for enhancing life safety response measures. EH&S has installed and routinely inspects more than 160 AEDs across campus to make it possible for nearby responders to administer defibrillation prior to the arrival of emergency medical services (EMS).

AED Locations on Campus

Request an AED

If you are interested in purchasing an AED for your building, department, or unit, please contact the AED Program Coordinator at (515) 294-5359 or submit the AED Request Form.

AED / CPR Training on Campus

Iowa State University offers employees, students, and groups two options for AED/CPR training through a contracted vendor. Fees include course materials and two-year American Heart Association certification. 

It is the responsibility of campus AED owners to provide or arrange for training and refresher training in AED use for staff and maintain on-site training records. Visit https://www.ehs.iastate.edu/training/cpr to learn more or register for a training.

Additional Heart Health Resources

These resources can help you, your peers, and your family members make heart-healthy choices and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease: