Understanding Heart Disease

Study Notes

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, resulting in approximately 425,000 deaths annually.
The death rate from stroke has decreased by 75% since the early 1960s due to improvements in understanding risk factors.
Changes in lifestyle post-World War II, including increased sedentary behavior, higher fat diets, and smoking, are significant contributors to heart disease.
Researchers believe heart disease can be mitigated through healthier eating, exercise, and smoking cessation.

Non-modifiable Risk Factors:
- Age: Increased risk correlates with age; men are generally at higher risk earlier, while women’s risk increases post-menopause.
- Sex: Men are at a higher risk of CVD younger, whereas women face increasing risk later in life.
- Race: African Americans have the highest risk factors for CVD.
- Family History: Family history can be a strong predictor of CVD.
Modifiable Risk Factors:
- Tobacco Use: The leading modifiable risk factor, accounting for 30% of CVD risk; cessation lowers risk significantly.
- Obesity: Individuals with a BMI over 30 are at higher risk; various initiatives aim to combat obesity in the U.S.
- Diet: High intake of saturated fats and cholesterol contributes to CVD; dietary management can mitigate risks.
- Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is considered a significant risk factor equivalent to having experienced a heart attack.

Coronary Heart Disease: The main form of heart disease, characterized by blood vessel disorders of the heart that may lead to heart attacks.
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction):
- Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the left arm, jaw, or back.
- Immediate response includes calling emergency services and administering prescribed medications like nitroglycerin.
- CPR should be initiated for unconscious individuals, with chest compressions being prioritized.

Lipoprotein Profile: Measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides; recommended every 5 years for adults.
Blood Pressure: Monitors for hypertension; should be checked every 2 years or more frequently if abnormalities are present.
Fasting Plasma Glucose: Screening for diabetes; done every 3 years starting at age 45 or sooner if risk factors are present.

Ischemic Stroke: Caused by blockage to the brain, represents the majority of strokes.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: Results from ruptured arteries in the brain, accounting for 20% of strokes.