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 58,800,000 Americans have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Each year,
cardiovascular diseases top the list of the country's most serious health problems.
Coronary heart disease is the number one killer and stroke is the the number three killer.
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.
