Who is Affected by Cardiovascular Disease and How it can be Prevented
Cardiovascular disease is a lot more common than many people think and on some level, it affects all Americans. It can affect you directly or indirectly through someone you are related to or someone you know. Many people think of an older man being the typical heart attack victim but we are all at risk. Thinking that you are immune will give you a false sense of security as cardiovascular disease factors can affect anyone.
The leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States is heart disease. In 2006, 26% of deaths were attributed to heart disease which is more than 1 in 4 people.
Often thought of as a disease that affects elderly men, about the same number of women are affected every year. Many women do not consider heart disease as a risk but it can affect people of both genders.
People who die suddenly of coronary artery disease have had no previous disease and there were no warning signs. Even without symptoms, you could still be at risk for heart disease. The most common type of cardiovascular disease is coronary artery disease. This disease attacks the arteries in your heart by causing a build-up of plaque which will narrow the arteries and decrease the flow of blood to the heart. Atherosclerosis is the technical term and it can cause chest pain and eventually lead to a heart attack.
Those at Risk
Heart disease is not only a disease of the elderly. Young people can also be afflicted and even those under 40 are not always safe. The risk does increase as you age; for men, it is more common over the age of 45 and for women the risk tends to increase after the age of 55. The onset of menopause tends to also increase the risk of heart disease in women.
Heart disease is becoming more and more common in young people as well. Diabetes and childhood obesity are on the rise and these conditions can put people at a greater risk of heart disease. High cholesterol and high blood pressure are factors. A study was conducted showing that 70% of obese youth (aged 5–17) had a least two cardiovascular disease factors.
Heart disease can affect people of all ethnic backgrounds. Heart disease and stroke are the main cause of death in all ethnic groups that were studied which included Caucasian, African American, Asian, Hispanic, and Native Americans in the United States.
The American Heart Association stated that the rate of death due to cardiovascular disease factors for African Americans is 34% higher than for the rest of the U.S. population. African American women are twice as likely as Caucasian women to have a heart attack when they are between the ages of 55 and 64. They are also at a greater risk for coronary artery disease.
Heart disease will also affect people of all socioeconomic levels. People in lower income brackets may be at a higher risk due to increased levels of stress. Diet of people who are in the lower income bracket may also contribute to risk factors as the diet tends to be higher in saturated fat, cholesterol, and carbohydrates. They may also have less access to health care.
These statistics are alarming; what can we do to prevent them?
1. Keep track of your blood pressure and make sure it is under control.
2. Make sure you exercise regularly.
3. If you are a smoker, break the habit.
4. If you are a diabetic, make sure you are keeping it under control.
5. Maintain a healthy body weight.
If you feel that you may be at risk for heart disease and would like to be assessed by a professional, visit our team at Apex Cardiology. We will be able to do an assessment and discuss any individual risk factors you may have. We can also provide information on how to be heart smart and ensure that your risk is minimal by suggesting small lifestyle or diet changes to put you on the right track.
