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Cardiovascular Disease - Test Your Knowledge |
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Cardiovascular Health
The term "cardiovascular disease" generally refers to conditions that involve
the heart and blood vessels. Major cardiovascular diseases include:
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Hypertension (high blood pressure) - Is an important
cardiovascular condition/risk factor that is measured by two numbers; systolic
blood pressure over diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP). Both numbers are
important. Systolic pressure is the maximum pressure exerted on the walls of
the arteries or blood vessels. Diastolic pressure is the minimum pressure
exerted on the wall of the arteries. Hypertension is defined as a repeatedly
elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a systolic pressure above
140 with a diastolic pressure above 90. Prehypertension is systolic pressure
from 120 to 139 mmHg, or a diastolic pressure from 80 to 89 mmHg. The ideal
blood pressure condition in a normal healthy person is 120/80mmHg. Black
Americans have some of the highest hypertension rates in the world. It is
estimated that over 40% of African American adults have hypertension compared
with less than 30% of whites. If left uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to
abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, kidney failure and stroke.
Hypertension is the number one risk factor for congestive heart failure, and
other cardiovascular diseases.
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Coronary heart disease -
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Myocardial infarction
(acute heart attack) - is the interruption of blood supply to part of the heart
causing some heart tissue to die. Chest pain is the most common symptom of
acute myocardial infarction and is often described as a sensation of tightness,
pressure, or squeezing.
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Angina pectoris -- chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood
supply to the heart muscle.
In 2006, there were 425,425 deaths due to coronary heart disease in the United
States (about one of every six deaths). In the same year, African American men
were 30% more likely to die from heart disease than white men.
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Stroke - a sudden disabling attack or loss of consciousness
caused by an interruption in the flow of blood to the brain, through:
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Thrombosis (clotting of blood) that block a vessel (ischemic stroke), or
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Ruptured blood vessel causing blood to leak into the brain (hemorrhagic
stroke).
African Americans are twice as likely to die from stroke as whites. The rate of
first strokes in African Americans is almost double that of whites, and strokes
tend to occur earlier in life for African Americans than whites. Additionally,
African American stroke survivors are more likely to become disabled and
experience difficulties with activities of daily living.
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Heart Failure - is a condition in which anomalies with the
structure or function of the heart impairs its ability to supply sufficient
blood flow to meet the body's needs. Heart failure is the leading cause of
hospitalization of elderly Americans, and is a major contributor to the nations
rising health care costs. African Americans are at a significantly greater risk
for heart failure than whites. The early onset of heart failure in Blacks leads
to increased rates of disability, hospitalization, and premature death (before
the age of 65).
Other heart conditions, such as infections and conditions that affect your
heart's muscle, valves or beating rhythm also are considered forms of heart
disease. Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death and disability
in the United States.
The following are some important risk factors that can predict the likelihood
of cardiovascular disease:
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High blood pressure
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Family history of heart disease
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Advancing age
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Cigarette smoking
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Diabetes
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Hypercholesterolemia (abnormal blood cholesterol levels)
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Atherosclerosis
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Lack of physical activity/sedentary lifestyle
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Obesity (defined by a body mass index of more than 30 kg/m²).
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Stress
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Alcohol
The more risk factors a person has, the greater the likelihood of developing
heart disease. Heredity, gender, and age cannot be modified, but the others can
be influenced by the individual's behavior.
Exercise . People who exercise tend to live longer and have less
cardiovascular disease than those who do not. A well-designed exercise program
can increase stamina and endurance, lower blood pressure, improve blood
cholesterol levels, help with weight control, help lower abnormal blood sugar
levels, reduce stress, improve sleep, and help prevent osteoporosis. Exercising
vigorously is advantageous, but even moderate exercise has important protective
effects.
Good nutrition . Eating well can reduce one's risk of many chronic
diseases; including cardiovascular disease. One result of poor nutrition,
coupled with inactivity, is the risk of overweight. Obesity is a major risk
factor for cardiovascular disease. In addition to amounts, the types of foods
consumed can affect health. Most Americans(>70%) eat fewer than five
servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Fruits and vegetables are a great
source of fiber, vitamins, and other health- protective nutrients. Eating 8 -
10 servings of fruits and vegetables and three servings of low- fat dairy foods
a day has been shown to decrease blood pressure.
Don't smoke . Smokers have a significantly greater risk for
cardiovascular disease than nonsmokers.
Know your numbers. Everyone should know and regularly monitor their
blood pressure. People with hypertension should work with their health care
provider to keep their blood pressure under control.
Cardiovascular
Q&A
Correct
answers will be marked with a red asteric '*'
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