Hearts are popular this time of year because of Valentine’s Day, but your heart should always be placed at Number 1. The Tennessee Dept. of Health says that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the Volunteer State with stroke running fifth in claiming lives. In 2015, heart disease claimed the lives of 15,674 Tennesseans, which is nearly 24 percent of all deaths in the state that year. In 2014, Tennessee had the seventh highest heart disease rate and the third-highest age-adjusted stroke rate in the nation. “There are three significant ways to improve heart health and they are all within reach of most Tennesseans,” said TDH Assistant Commissioner for Family Health and Wellness Morgan McDonald, MD. “Increasing physical activity, not using tobacco and eating healthier foods in appropriate portions can help you avoid heart conditions and stroke. Those who make these choices are more likely to live longer and can be healthier to enjoy life to its fullest.”