Updated: Feb. 6, 2026

Heart Disease is South Carolina's Leading Cause of Death

In 2023...

• 12,274 South Carolinians died from heart disease.
• Heart disease accounted for 59,399 hospitalizations in South Carolina
• More than $5.9 billion in total hospitalization charges in South Carolina were related to heart disease. 

What is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is a broad term that refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type of heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease, which can cause heart attack, arrhythmias, angina, and heart failure.

Ways to prevent heart disease

• Stop smoking
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Get regular health screenings:
  • Have your cholesterol checked
  • Check your blood pressure
• Limit alcohol use
• Take your medicine
• Manage your diabetes
• Eat a healthy diet that's low in fat, cholesterol and salt
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week

Related Topics

• Women & Heart Disease
• What Do My Blood Pressure Numbers Mean?
• Is My Cholesterol Too High?
• DASH Diet - Southern Style (pdf)
• EMS Webinar: Improving Outcomes from Cardiac Arrest - Aug. 17, 2023