What is cardiovascular disease?  Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an abnormal function of the heart or blood vessels. It can cause an increase in risk for heart attack, heart failure, sudden death, stroke and cardiac rhythm problems, thus resulting in decreased quality of life and decreased life expectancy. The causes of cardiovascular disease range from structural defects, to infection, inflammation, environment and genetics. In order to help prevent cardiovascular disease one must adopt a healthy lifestyle and avoid smoking, fattening foods and stress.

Risk Factors.  CVDF risk factors that can be prevented or treated include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, excess weight, physical inactivity, smoking, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, illegal drug use and stress. Unpreventable risks include: previous heart attack, family member with heart disease, increasing age, gender and race.

Facts.  One in three American adults has some form of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Heart disease and stroke are the most common cardiovascular diseases. They are the first and third leading causes of death for both men and women in the United States. Cardiovascular Disease includes high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke. It is the leading cause of death in America and the World.

More about the Cardiovascular Disease Foundation can be found online at www.cvdf.org.