A recent study explored Google search trends across the country

For many consumers, the internet is where theyre headed first with any major questions about their health.

A recent study conducted by ProTrainings, a company dedicated to providing free online training for CPR, self defense, fire safety, and more, looked at internet trends surrounding heart health and cardiovascular disease from consumers across the country.

The states most concerned with heart health

ProTraining analyzed Google search data and CDC data across the U.S. to better understand which areas are most concerned with heart health.

The study found that there are five key terms that consumers are using when searching about heart health:

• Hypertension

• Stroke

• Heart disease

• Heart attack

• Cardiovascular disease

Some of the key takeaways from the study include:

• Nearly 40% of consumers in Southern states are concerned about hypertension, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Arkansas were all among the top 10 states that were searched about hypertension.

• At least 30% of consumers in these states are concerned about stroke: Oregon, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, Iowa, New Jersey, Washington, Montana, Missouri, and Michigan.

• Heart disease was the least popular search term across the country. The top 10 states searching heart disease the most are: Nevada, New Hampshire, Wyoming, Kentucky, Maine, Colorado, Idaho, Delaware, West Virginia, and Ohio.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., said Tyler Accardi, marketing director at ProTrainings. This makes preventive measures such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking incredibly important and universal steps that can significantly reduce consumers risk.

Prioritizing relevant information

While searching online about health-related topics is inevitable, its important that consumers are prioritizing relevant, accurate information not exacerbating fears and concerns.

Use Google proactively, not reactively, Accardi said. We've all heard the nightmare scenarios where individuals increase their anxiety by searching about something they're concerned about. In these cases, it's best to consult a medical professional, not a website.

However, Google is a great way to find ways to prepare yourself ahead of time so that you're more confident when a situation occurs. Make sure to look for information from reputable sources that are evidence-based and where the authors have valid credentials.

The best way to search

Here are some of Accardis best tips for consumers spending time on Google:

• Look for .edu, .gov, or .org URLs. These domains are often more reliable than commercial (.com) sites. They are usually run by educational institutions, government bodies, or non-profits.

• The Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and The American Heart Association are organizations that are well known for the research they do in the field of cardiovascular care.

• Online information should not replace professional medical advice! Its best to consult health care providers for personalized advice.