By AP
Nashville, TN – Tennessee's Department of Health says heart disease and strokes together killed more than 17,000 residents in 2009. Heart disease was the number one cause of death and stroke took fifth place. On an optimistic note, Tennessee's death rate for heart disease decreased by almost 9% from 2005 to 2009. Health officials want to remind the public uncontrolled high blood pressure and high cholesterol are risk factors for heart attack and stroke. Health Commissioner Susan Cooper stresses the importance of lowering sodium, fat and cholesterol intake and participating in physical activities.