How Prevalent is Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) in the U.S.?

2. How Prevalent is Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) in the U.S.? • #1 cause of death in the U.S. • Accounts for nearly one out of every two deaths • Approximately 1 million people die annually from CVD • More than 60 million people have some form of CVD • Leading cause of death for men between ages the of 35-44; rates in women are rising • Economic costs related to CVD exceed $400 billion per year

3. Economic Costs of CVD Compared to Other Diseases Figure 9.1

4. Types of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Arteriosclerosis: A group of diseases • “Hardening” or narrowing of the arteries • Blocks blood flow to vital organs Atherosclerosis: A type of arteriosclerosis • Blockage from buildup of fatty deposits in blood vessels (“plaque”) • Progressive disease, beginning in childhood, symptoms appear later Coronary Heart Disease (CHD): The result of atherosclerotic plaque • Angina pectoris (chest pain): often occurs with stress or exercise • Heart attack: “kills” certain heart muscle cells/ severity can vary Stroke • Blood Supply to the brain is reduced or blocked • Results in brain damage from death of brain cells • Effects can be short- or long-term/ severity varies Hypertension • Abnormally high blood pressure (>140/90 ) • If long-term or acute, it is a significant health problem

5. Plaque Buildup in Arteries Figure 9.2

6. Coronary Artery Blockage Figure 9.3

7. Blocked Artery Leading to Stroke Figure 9.4

8. Major Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) Directly related to developing CHD & stroke Smoking • More than 2x the risk of getting CHD than non-smokers • Biggest risk factor for sudden death from cardiac arrest Hypertension • Both a disease and a risk factor for stroke • Diets high in sodium increase risk High Blood Cholesterol • Lipid consumed in foods or synthesized in the body/ two kinds • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)/“bad cholesterol” (optimal level < 100 mg/dl.) • High-density lipoprotein (HDL)/ “good cholesterol” ( optimal level > 60 mg/dl.)

9. Major Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) Directly related to developing CHD & stroke Physical Inactivity • Link to CHD has been well established for years • Regular exercise counteracts many CHD risk factors Diabetes Mellitus • Previously linked mainly with middle age and overweight, but is now spreading more widely • More than 80% of diabetes patients die from some form of CHD Obesity and Overweight • More likely to develop CHD, even with no other risk factors • Fat distribution also affects CHD risk: higher waist-to-hip ratio has greater risk

10. Major Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) Directly related to developing CHD & stroke Heredity • Children of parents with CHD are more likely to get it • People with hereditary risk can still avoid CHD, but must worker harder at a healthy lifestyle • Family risk may be linked to cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes and obesity Gender • Up to age 55, men have higher risk from CHD • After menopause, women’s risk is as high as for men Age • Risk of developing CHD and stroke increases with age

11. Contributory Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) Increase the risk of developing CHD Stress • Contributes to multiple risk factors, including smoking, hypertension and cholesterol • Can release hormones that elevate blood pressure Alcohol Consumption • Excessive drinking increases risk of CHD, high blood sugar levels, cancer, and other diseases • AHA recommends abstinence or moderation

12. Hypertension and Genetics Figure 9.5

13. CHD Risk Factors Figure 9.6

14. Reducing Your Risk of Heart Disease • Don’t smoke • Lower your blood pressure • Eat a healthy, balanced diet • Be physically active • Reduce your stress level