Center for Disease Control says, heart disease is the number one cause of heart attacks for all Americans.But as news 12's Sara Miles tells us Minnesota sees totally different numbers.Nearly 30 percent of deaths in the United States are caused by heart attacks according to the world health organization, but here in Minnesota it's a different story.The national center for health statistics listed Minnesota as having the lowest mortality rate for heart disease in the nation.And doctors aren't too surprised...Cardiologist Dr. John Haley says, "Mankato is one of the first cities to adopt that program of eliminating smoking from bars and restaurants and i think that's been the reason for the low mortality of cardiovascular diseases."Besides the smoking ban, doctors also attribute the decrease to a national program that aims for hospitals to treat a patient with heart disease in less than 90 minutes.ISJ consistently beats that time.Haley says, "Our door to balloon time here is 68 mins"But it isn't just doctors that are helping save lives, the Heart of New Ulm project was started this year to reduce the number of heart attacks over the next 10 years.Family Practitioner Dr. Charles Stephens says, "what we are trying to do is completely eliminate early heart disease, and we are defining that before the age 75."And to help eliminate heart disease the heart of New Ulm has been holding screenings where they check blood pressure, weight and cholesterol.If they find someone at risk... the go through the proper procedures to prevent a heart attack.Stephens says, "now that we are really good at treating them from happening, lets prevent them from happening at all."Sara Miles says, "doctors say all it takes it a little bit of exercise and nutrition to keep your heart safe."Stephens says, "that's what we are hoping to do on a community level that will really make a difference."A difference that hopefully continues on for years to come.SM, news 12