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Posts Tagged ‘coronary artery disease’

For all you really smart people out there:

What is the difference between Congestive Heart Failure and Coronary Artery Disease?

I am a 26 year old female with a blood pressure ranging from 116-118/76-78. I have never had hypertension. I am obese, however, with a strong family history of heart disease on my father’s side. I know what I need to do to be healthy, so please – no lectures. My specific question is regarding the likelihood of having coronary artery disease or severe atherosclerosis without any hypertension. Not just applying to me, either, but generally speaking. Thank you.

According to the statistics about heart disease published in 2006 by the Center for Disease Control, 24.7 million adults have been diagnosed with heart disease. This figure is equivalent to 11.5% of the American adult population.

Reversing heart disease may not be possible in all cases, but according to the American Heart Association, most people with cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, can live full and enjoyable lives, with the right treatment and attention to lifestyle.

The CDC is only one agency that publishes statistics about heart disease. Diseases of the heart is listed as the number one cause of death in the United States. It is important to remember that this figure includes all deaths caused by all of the different diseases of the heart, not just coronary artery disease, which is a narrowing of the arteries that lead to the heart.

For simplicitys sake, the National Vital Statistics Report, which is responsible for publishing these statistics about heart disease deaths, does not include subcategories in this report. It is impossible to tell how many of these deaths (654,092 in 2004) were caused by coronary artery disease, heart failure or another disease affecting the heart.

Also known as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease is the focus of some research concerning reversing heart disease.

According to the Health Center at the University of Texas, noninvasive positron emission tomography, a technology developed by Dr. K. Lance Gould allows doctors to see where heart blood flow has been restricted by early cholesterol buildup in the arteries, with greater accuracy than previous technologies, including the stress test.

A treatment program can be designed for the individual to remove the cholesterol from the artery wall, thus reversing heart disease processes. Reversing heart disease takes time, typically 18-24 months and there is some remaining risk of heart attack during this time, but the doctors and researchers at UT believe that treatment can be quite effective. Dietary and lifestyle changes will still be necessary to prevent additional cholesterol build-up, however.

According to statistics about heart disease published by the American Heart Association, 5 million Americans are living with heart failure and approximately 500,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.

Coronary artery disease and heart failure are not the same conditions, but untreated coronary artery disease can lead to heart failure. These and other statistics about heart disease indicate that coronary artery disease leads to heart failure about 20% of the time, which is distressing, since the latest technology can be effective at reversing heart disease and preventing its progression to heart failure.

Some doctors and researchers believe that coronary artery disease and many other diseases can be linked to inflammatory responses within the body. Being overweight can cause inflammation all over the body. Improper diet can lead to inflammation. Type II or adult onset diabetes, one of the many risk factors for heart disease, is believed to be linked to inflammation. All of this research supports the importance of proper diet, regular exercise and weight control.

Some researchers have reached the conclusion that natural anti-inflammatories may be safer and more effective than anti-inflammatory drugs, because natural anti-inflammatories target a number of inflammatory responses, while synthetic anti-inflammatories may target only a single inflammatory molecule.

The mangosteen — an exotic fruit from Southeast Asia, not to be confused with the common mango — has been shown in scientific research to contain a very potent anti-inflammatory, a Cox-2 inhibitor, as well as numerous vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants that can prevent blood clots; reduce bad cholesterol and support overall function of the heart.

Patient reports indicate that it helps control diabetes; lowering blood sugar levels and reducing the need for insulin. Mangosteen products may also help those who need to get up and take a walk, by increasing energy and improving blood flow. There is no magic health elixir for preventing or reversing heart disease, but mangosteen may help.

The statistics for heart disease may be depressing, but even more depressing is the fact that 66.3% of all Americans over the age of 20 are overweight, another risk factor for developing heart disease.

So, in summary, see your doctor, follow good dietary and lifestyle habits, and perhaps try a natural anti-inflammatory like the editors at restore-your-health.com.

Author: Mike Leuthen
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Digital Camera News

Why do people get hypertension and what is it.Also what is coronary artery disease ?

Many people are interested in learning more about heart disease and dietary supplements in order to educate themselves on preventive strategies against heart disease. However, before we delve into some of the best heart health supplements, let’s highlight some important facts about this disease.

Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease is the general term for diseases or conditions that affects the heart (cardio) or the blood vessels (vascular). As such, there are many different types of heart diseases. However, coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease.

Coronary artery disease means narrowing of the coronary arteries. It is caused by a process called atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which is the gradual buildup of plague — deposits made up of cholesterol, other fats, and calcium. Eventually, diminished blood flow can “starve” the heart muscle and lead to angina (chest pain). A complete blockage can cause a heart attack. In fact, coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S. each year.

Moreover, many studies indicate that individuals with high cholesterol levels are much more likely to develop atherosclerosis than people that maintain low cholesterol levels. As such, many high cholesterol level sufferers seek information about heart disease and dietary supplements. In addition, it has been found that high levels of the amino acid homocysteine may be associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis.

Indeed, hearing words like heart disease, heart attack, and stroke is scary and, as such, many people search for information in regards to heart disease and dietary supplements to promote heart health. However, we believe before you can make an informed decision about health disease and dietary supplements, it’s important to understand the risk factors associated with this condition, which is vital to your overall preventive strategies against heart disease. They include:

• High LDL “bad” cholesterol
• Low HDL “good” cholesterol
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Tobacco
• Lack of exercise
• Unhealthy nutrition
• Overweight/Obesity
• Heavy alcohol intake
• Stress
• Family history
• Age
• Men

Needless to say, the first step in preventing or reducing your chances for heart disease is committing to a healthy lifestyle. In fact, aside from age, gender, and heredity, you have a great deal of power in controlling each of the aforementioned risk factors of heart disease.

With that being said, let’s move on to heart disease and dietary supplements.

While it’s important to understand that no dietary or herbal supplement will counteract a poor diet or the lack of exercise, it can be powerful components when used along with a heart healthy diet and a health enhancing lifestyle. Now, in regards to your heart health strategy and/or strategies against heart disease, you may want to address it having three main goals in mind and then use a combination of diet, exercise, and dietary and/or herbal supplements that works best for you. We believe that heart disease prevention must be addressed from several different perspectives since the disease results from a number of related “risk factors” and not from a single cause.

The three main goals for heart health are:

1. Opening Blood Vessels
2. Strengthening the Heart Muscle
3. Controlling Free Radical Damage — Antioxidants

Supplements that Open Blood Vessels

Our research indicates that when it comes to heart disease and dietary supplements used for opening blood vessels, the following are some of the best and, as such, may be a part of your preventive strategies against heart disease.

Ginkgo biloba is well renowned for improving blood flow throughout the body, including the heart muscle. Ginkgo is also a powerhouse antioxidant and it appears to reduce blood stickiness, which lowers the risk of blood clots.

Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) that benefits heart health. Fish oil helps prevent platelets in the blood from clumping together, reducing the risk that blood clots will form. It has also been shown to reduce blood pressure, lower triglycerides (blood fats) levels, and improve blood flow. Indeed, fish oil omega 3′s are praised by many experts as being one of the best heart disease and dietary supplements, meaning it should be a part of your preventive strategies against heart disease.

Policosanol — Some studies have shown that policosanol can lower one’s bad cholesterol (LDL) by up to 20% and raise beneficial cholesterol (HDL) by 10%.

Guggulipid is prized for its ability to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels as well as high blood triglyceride levels. It has also shown to boost the levels of good cholesterol (HDL).

Vitamin B Complex, particularly vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid reduce levels of homocysteine.

Chromium is a mineral that plays a role in helping to manage cholesterol levels. In addition, it can help improve blood sugar control for diabetes sufferers.

Garlic is noted to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as slightly lower blood pressure. In addition, studies indicate that garlic can help reduce the likelihood of blood clots.

Other nutrients that help open blood vessels include: Niacin and Soy protein

Supplements that Strengthen the Heart Muscle

Our research indicates that when it comes to heart disease and dietary supplements to strengthen the heart muscle, the following are some of the best and, as such, may be a part of your preventive strategies against heart disease.

Magnesium — This mineral plays a vital role in controlling muscle contraction and relaxation. It is also involved in regulating blood pressure (by relaxing blood vessels) and can help reduce the tendency of blood clotting.

Coenzyme Q10 is prized for its ability to strengthen the heart muscle and help prevent heart attacks and heart disease.

Hawthorn is a powerful heart tonic. It also strengthens the hearts pumping ability (muscle), helping the heart to beat more forcefully and efficiently.

Other possible heart muscle strengtheners include: L- Carnitine and Potassium

About Heart Disease and Dietary Supplements: Antioxidants

Antioxidants are believed to help prevent heart disease by fighting free radicals, substances that harm the body when left unchecked. These nutrients are on a constant search and destroy mission, fighting the continuous onslaught of free radicals. The following dietary supplements help fight free radicals and, as such, should be a part of your preventive strategies against heart disease.

Grape Seed Extract is a rich source of flavonoid compounds (oligomeric proanthocyanidins, or OPCs) that perform as potent antioxidants and powerful blood vessel strengtheners.

Green tea contains a particular group of potent antioxidants called polyphenols. Green tea also protects LDL cholesterol and blood vessel linings from oxidative damage.

Some other antioxidants noted to help with cardiovascular heart health include: Vitamins C and E, and Resveratrol

Precautions

Indeed, educating yourself about heart disease and dietary supplements is important. However, before you start any dietary supplement program for heart disease prevention or treatment, please make sure you discuss it with your physician.

Nutritional-Supplement-Educational-Centre’s Opinion

We believe that you should consider, if possible, taking a comprehensive health heart product formulated by someone that is qualified to create such a supplement. Here are a few reasons why…

1. It could be very dangerous to your health to mix and match supplements and nutrients on your own.
2. A formulated heart health product using carefully selected ingredients can enhance their therapeutic benefits, often much better than taking a single herb or nutrient on its own.
3. Ratios of nutrients have to be balanced perfectly in order for it to be optimally effective.

Bottom Line:

Although we have provided you with some of the best heart health supplements, there are highly sophisticated Nutraceutical companies that have designed comprehensive heart health products from lowering cholesterol levels to promoting artery and heart health. Therefore, it’s important to understand the how and why of what makes these comprehensive products useful — an important factor in making an informed choice about heart disease and dietary supplements.

Author: Cindy Amorin
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Congestive heart disease is a physical disorder in which the heart no longer pumps hard enough. Since the heart pumps weakly, blood can back up into the lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and extremities.

Congestive heart disease is also called congestive heart failure (CHF), cardiac failure, or heart failure. These names can be misleading, since they seem to indicate that the heart has totally failed and that death is imminent. This is not the case. Congestive heart disease is nearly always a chronic, long-term condition, although it does sometimes develop suddenly.

How Common Is Congestive Heart Disease?

Of 100 people between the ages of 27 and 74, approximately 2 have congestive heart disease. That means about 6 million people in the U.S. are affected by the disease. After age 74, congestive heart disease becomes more common. It is said to be the leading cause of hospitalization among senior citizens.

Causes of Congestive Heart Disease

Congestive heart disease has many causes. They include, but are not limited to, the following causes:

* Weakening of the heart muscle due to viral infections. The weakness may also be caused by toxins such as alcohol abuse.

* Weakening of the heart muscle by coronary artery disease that has led to heart attacks.

* Weakening of the heart muscle by heart valve disease that involves large amounts of blood leakage.

* Heart muscle stiffness caused by a blocked heart valve.

* Uncontrolled high blood pressure, also called hypertension.

* High levels of the thyroid hormone.

* Excessive use of amphetamines (“speed”).

Symptoms of Congestive Heart Disease

Either side of the heart muscle may weaken and cause congestive heart disease. The symptoms of congestive heart disease depend on the side of the heart that is affected. They can include these:

* asthma that can be attributed to the heart

* blood pooling in the body’s overall circulation

* blood pooling in the liver’s circulation

* enlargement of the heart

* shortness of breath

* skin color that appears bluish or dusky

* swelling of the body, especially the extremities

Congestive Heart Disease Risk Factors

As is true with most heart disease, family history is a major risk factor for congestive heart disease. Genetics cannot easily be altered. Age is a second risk factor that cannot be changed. Congestive heart disease is particularly prevalent among older people.

Aside from those two, however, risk factors can and should be addressed. Here are 7 risk factors for congestive heart disease that you may want to discuss with your health care provider.

1. High blood pressure: This is the highest risk factor for congestive heart disease! Men with uncontrolled high blood pressure are twice as likely as those with normal blood pressure to suffer congestive heart disease. If a woman has uncontrolled high blood pressure, she is three times as likely as women with normal blood pressure to develop congestive heart disease.

2. Heart Attacks: This is the second highest risk factor for congestive heart disease. Those who have had heart attacks that resulted in damage to the heart muscle, and scarring of the muscle tissue, have increased risks of experiencing congestive heart disease.

3. High Cholesterol: Showing high levels of cholesterol, particularly when levels of HDL are low, is listed as another risk factor for congestive heart disease.

4. Diabetes: Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are risk factors for developing congestive heart disease.

5. Obesity: Men and women who are overweight unnecessarily increase their risks of experiencing congestive heart disease. The heart must work harder when the body is not at a healthy weight, and can begin to lose its ability to deliver blood efficiently.

6. Prolonged Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle, with little exercise, puts people at risk for congestive heart disease, especially as they increase in age. The heart needs cardiovascular exercise to remain strong and able to function well.

7. Smoking: Smoking increases the heart’s workload. It also affects the lungs. This is a risk for congestive heart disease that anyone can eliminate.

CAUTION: Please see your doctor if you have reason to think you may have one or more of the risk factors or symptoms of congestive heart disease. The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only.

Author: Anna Hart
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Symptoms of Heart Disease

The most common symptoms of heart disease, other than angina, include shortness of breath, palpitations, irregular or quickened heartbeat, weakness, dizziness, nausea and sweating.

Angina or angina pectoris is the medical term used to describe chest pain. Heart disease treatment may include drug therapy, surgery or implantation of a device to help maintain proper heart rhythm, such as a pacemaker or ICD.

The common symptoms of heart disease are also the primary symptoms of heart attacks. In short, anyone who experiences the symptoms of heart disease should see their doctor immediately.

Evaluation by a physician is necessary to determine which heart disease treatment is appropriate, assuming any treatment at all is needed. Self-diagnosis or self-treatment of chest pain is never appropriate. Never forget that a heart attack does permanent damage to the muscle of the heart.

There are a number of different diseases of the heart. The aforementioned symptoms of heart disease pertain to coronary artery disease, which is a narrowing of the blood vessels leading to the heart due to a build up of fats and plaque.

Heart disease treatment and risk factors mentioned below also pertain primarily to coronary artery heart disease since this is one of the most common of all heart dieases.

Treatment for coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis can be quite effective and can actually reverse the disease process over time. Attention to blood pressure and cholesterol levels may prevent coronary artery disease, which is why regular check-ups, including blood pressure and cholesterol checks, are so important.

Being male is considered one of the major uncontrollable risk factors for developing heart disease. Other uncontrollable risk factors include older age and genetics. In women, there is an increased risk of heart disease associated with a decrease in natural estrogen levels that occur after menopause or after removal of the ovaries, but hormone replacement therapy, thought to reduce the risk of heart disease at one time, is no longer considered beneficial for the purpose.

Risk factors for developing coronary artery disease that are considered controllable include: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, improper diet, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, chronic stress, uncontrolled diabetes and inflammation of the arteries. A blood test for C-reactive protein is a particularly important test, as it may reveal the presence of inflammation of the arteries.

Although the symptoms of heart disease may include quickened heart rate, increased heart rate during exercise does not damage the heart. The heart was meant to be active. It is a muscle and like any other muscle of the body, it will weaken from lack of use. Regular aerobic exercise can strengthen the cardiovascular system, improve circulation and even improve the symptoms of heart disease, including heart failure. Most doctors recommend regular exercise as part of a complete heart disease treatment program.

In addition, a regular exercise program, along with a reasonable diet, can help a person maintain a normal healthy weight. When obesity is a factor, even the best heart disease treatment options may be ineffective.

People who have had surgery as a heart disease treatment reduce the risk that their arteries will become narrow again by following practical dietary and exercise recommendations.

Symptoms of heart disease, such as shortness of breath and feelings of weakness may be relieved by beginning a regular exercise program and making dietary changes. Of course, no one who has been diagnosed with heart disease should begin an exercise program without first consulting their doctor.

Other health benefits of a regular exercise program that are directly related to coronary artery disease include decreased blood pressure, reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and improved sleep.

Sleep apneas, a condition in which breathing stops for a short time during sleep, commonly occurs in people who are inactive and overweight and has been associated with both high blood pressure and heart disease.

One more factor that has been linked to both coronary artery disease and kidney disease is a high homocysteine level. Homocysteine is an amino acid found in meat. High levels of homocysteine are associated with low levels of B6, B12 and folic acid. Increasing intake of B vitamins and folic acid can break down homocysteine. Folic acid and the B-vitamins are found primarily in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Other substances found in vitamins, minerals and other food compounds and believed to be important for heart health are called antioxidants.

Antioxidants fight substances called free radicals, which can cause cellular damage that leads to the development of heart disease. One of the richest source of antioxidants currently known is a fruit called the mangosteen. Also a good source of B vitamins and folic acid, this Asian fruit is only available in most areas in the form of a juice or puree.

Research has proven that the mangosteen contains powerful anti-inflammatories. Unlike synthetic anti-inflammatories which can be ineffective and have unwanted side effects, scientists believe that natural anti-inflammatories have no side effects and are more effective, because they target a large group of inflammatory responses.

Current heart disease treatment can be effective if those who suffer from the disease make the necessary lifestyle and dietary changes. Anyone can benefit from efforts to correct controllable risk factors. In addition, making dietary and lifestyle changes can prevent the symptoms of heart disease from progressing to heart attack or heart failure.

Author: Mike Leuthen
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Programmable Multi-cooker

The term heart disease is a very broad term. Problems can arise within the heart muscle, arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle, or the valves within the heart that pump blood in the correct direction. Understanding the differences between each disease of the heart can help with the confusing applications of the term heart disease.

Coronary artery disease or CAD is the most common type of heart disease and the leading cause of death in both genders in the U.S. Coronary artery disease affects the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle. These coronary arteries harden and narrow due to the buildup of a waxy cholesterol, fatty substance referred to as plaque.

This plaque buildup is known as atherosclerosis. The increase in plaque buildup causes the coronary arteries to become narrower. This will cause blood flow to become restricted, decreasing the amount of oxygen delivered to the heart muscle. Decreasing the amount of oxygen supplied to the heart muscle can cause angina (chest pain) and lead to a heart attack. Coronary artery disease over time can weaken the heart muscle contributing to heart failure and arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms).

Coronary heart disease is another confusing type of heart disease. Coronary heart disease is not the same thing as coronary artery disease. While coronary artery disease refers to the coronary arteries, coronary heart disease refers to the diseases of the coronary arteries and resulting complications. This includes such complications such as chest pain, a heart attack, and the scar tissue caused by the heart attack. Understanding this subtle difference between the two may impress your cardiologist.

Cardiomyopathy is a disease affecting the muscle of the heart. Cardiomyopathy can be genetic or caused by a viral infection. Cardiomyopathy can be classified as primary or secondary. Primary cardiomyopathy is attributed to a specific cause (hypertension, congenital heart defects, heart valve disease). Secondary cardiomyopathy is attributed to specific causes (diseases affecting other organs).

There are three main types of cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy is enlargement and stretching of the cardiac muscle. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy causes thickening of the heart muscle. Restrictive cardiomyopathy causes the ventricles of the heart to become excessively rigid causing blood flow to the ventricles to be difficult between heartbeats.

Valvular heart disease is a disease that affects the valves of the heart. Valves within the heart keep the blood flowing in the correct direction. Damage to valves can be caused by a variety of conditions leading to regurgitation or insufficiency (leaking valve), prolapse (improper closing of the valve), or stenosis (narrowing of the valve). Valvular heart disease can be genetic. Valvular heart disease can also be caused by certain infections such as rheumatic fever, and certain medications or radiation treatments for cancer.

The pericardium is a sac that encompasses the heart. Pericardial disease is inflammation (pericarditis), stiffness (constrictive pericarditis), or fluid accumulation (pericardial effusion) of the pericardium. Pericardial disease can be caused by many things such as occurring after a heart attack.

Congenital heart disease is a form of heart disease that develops before birth. Congenital heart disease is an extremely broad term. However, these diseases usually affect the formation of the heart muscle, chambers, or valves. A few examples include coarctation or a narrowing of a section of the aorta; atrial or ventricular septal defect is referred to as holes in the heart. Congenital heart disease should be classified more accurately as an inborn defect that occurs in around 1% of births. Congenital heart disease may be inherited (heredity), or caused by certain infections such as German measles contracted while pregnant. However, researchers are currently studying factors that may cause congenital heart disease.

Heart failure is another type of heart disease characterized by the hearts inability to effectively pump enough blood to the bodys organs and tissues. When the bodys vital organs do not receive enough blood flow certain signs and symptoms can occur such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention. Congestive heart failure is a type of heart failure that leads to fluid buildup in the body. It is important to note that not all heart failure is congestive. Heart failure may result from other cardiovascular diseases such as cardiomyopathy or coronary heart disease. Heart failure may come on suddenly or develop over many years.

The month of February is the National Heart Disease awareness month. However, heart disease awareness should be each and every day. With staggering statistics, awareness begins with understanding the different types of heart disease. A diet and lifestyle that is conducive to heart health can mean the difference between life and being a statistic.

Copyright 2006 Kristy Haugen

Author: Kristy Haugen
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Heart Disease is a hot health topic today. With all of the information about heart disease on both TV and the Internet, do

you really know which information is advice that you can trust on heart disease? How about information that is not accurate

on heart disease?

There are many different kinds of “heart disease” and we will briefly touch on those in this article, as well.

Are you ready to learn more about what heart disease is and the different types of heart disease? Good, then keep reading!

What Is Heart Disease?

What exactly is heart disease? The latest definition of heart disease is any disease that affects how the heart normally

works. Narrowing or hardening of the arteries that lead to the heart is the most common type of cardiac disease, today.

Of course this can encompass quite a few types or variations of heart disease.

Various types of heart disease include:

* Alcoholic cardiomyopathy

* Aortic regurgitation

* Aortic stenosis

* Arrhythmias

* Cardiogenic shock

* Congenital heart disease

* Coronary artery disease (CAD)

* Dilated cardiomyopathy

* Endocarditis

* Heart attack (myocardial infarction)

* Heart failure

* Heart tumor

* Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

* Idiopathic cardiomyopathy

* Ischemic cardiomyopathy

* Acute mitral regurgitation

* Chronic mitral regurgitation

* Mitral stenosis

* Mitral valve prolapse

* Peripartum cardiomyopathy

* Pulmonary stenosis

* Stable angina

* Unstable angina

* Tricuspid regurgitation

As you can see, there are many categories of what actually constitutes heart disease. Now that we have identified different

types of cardiac disease, let’s explore some of the underlying causes of these diseases.

Causes Of Heart Disease

Just as many different names for cardiac disease can be confusing and complicated, so can the causes of heart disease. And we

will cover the most common causes below.

Briefly, here are some causes:

* Hypertension (“high blood pressure”)

* Heart valves that do not function normally

* Electrical conduction of the heart that causes an abnormal rhythm.

* Heart’s pumping function that is affected by toxins or infections.

* Congenital or “birth defects” of the heart.

How Many People Are Affected By Heart Disease?

According to the National Institute of Health, there are approximately 70.1 million people affected by some type of cardiac

disorder! Heart disease continues to be the number one cause of death in the US.

Among minorities, cardiac disease or heart disease, ranks first as leading cause of death. The rates of deaths declined for

those groups with the exception of one group, American Indian females. The time frame for this study was between 1985 and

2002.

Between 1992 and 2002, the percentage of decline of death rates for CHD (Cardiac Heart Diseas) was the highest among white

males and the least decline was in the black female population.

Financial Impact Of Cardiac Heart Disease

Besides the horrific costs of CHD in terms of personal tragedy, society also bears the brunt of the effects of this disease.

According to the study, 2005 costs for CVD(Cardiovascular Disease) were staggering. Overall, costing 393 Billion Dollars!

Costs broke down like this:

* 242 Billion Dollars for direct health care costs.

* 35 Billion Dollars for indirect costs of morbidity.

* 117 Billion Dollars in DIRECT costs of mortality.

As you can see, cardiovascular disease is one that while complicated and intricate in name and causes, is simply devastating

to both the individual and to the society that the affected comes from. It should be taken very seriously and not ignored, so

education and prevention are essential in decreasing the effects of these diseases, commonly know as cardiac disease.

This article was written and screened by a license medical professional. This article is for informational purposes only.

This material is in no way a substitute for the medical advice of your own physician. The National Institutes of Health

served as the basis for this medical article. 2006 http://www.medicalcontentsolutions.com . All rights reserved. Want to reprint this article, feel free as long as you include the following:

Author: Keith Mallinson
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