Cardiac Health
The
cardiovascular
system is made
up of the heart
and blood
vessels.
Cardiovascular
diseases (CVD),
as defined by
the American
Heart
Association
(AHA), include:
coronary heart
disease
(coronary
artery disease,
ischemic heart
disease)
-
stroke
(brain
attack)
-
high blood
pressure
(hypertension)
-
rheumatic
heart
disease
Approximately
62 million
Americans
have one
or more
forms of
cardiovascular
disease
(CVD).
Each year
in the US,
cardiovascular
diseases
top the
list of
the
country's
most
serious
health
problems.
Coronary
heart
disease is
the
leading
cause of
death and
stroke is
the third
leading
cause of
death.
Stroke is
also the
number one
cause of
serious,
long-term
disability.
Yet,
studies
show that
nearly
everyone
can become
heart
healthy
by:
-
following
a
proper
diet.
-
following
an
appropriate
exercise
program.
-
following
a
routine
health
care
plan.
-
eliminating
tobacco
products.
Most
important
to
toppling
cardiovascular
diseases
as
the
number
one
cause
of
disability
and
death,
is
early
detection
and
early
treatment.
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