2007 Heart Disease & Stroke Statistics 1.2 million Americans had first or recurrent coronary attack. Nation’s SINGLE leading cause of death. About 7.9 million Americans age 20 and older have survived a heart attack. Stroke is the third leading cause of death. Women account for about 6 in 10 stroke deaths. An estimated 25.1 million men and 20.9 million women put themselves at increased risk of heart attack and stroke by smoking cigarettes. About 36.6 million American adults have cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dl or higher – the point at which it becomes a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke. About 66 percent of Americans age 20 and older are overweight or obese. At least 65 percent of people with diabetes die of some form of heart or blood vessel disease.

C A R D I O V A S C U L A R F I T N E S S

Heart Basic Info

Cholesterol The body needs cholesterol for: - digesting dietary fats - making hormones - building cell walls and other processes. The bloodstream carries cholesterol in particles called lipoproteins that deliver cholesterol to various body tissues to be used, stored or excreted.

LDL The Bad Cholesterol Carries cholesterol that is most likely to attach to the walls of the arteries and contribute to atherosclerosis. An LDL lower that 100 is considered good health.

High Density Lipoproteins HDL Good cholesterol that carry excess LDL out of the bloodstream and into the liver for elimination for the body. HDL helps prevent atherosclerosis. 40-50 or higher for HDL is good health. Regular physical activity increases HDL levels.

Atherosclerosis A disease in which certain substances including fats, low density lipo- proteins(LDL) build up on the inside walls of the arteries.

Arteriosclerosis A type of coronary heart disease in which the arteries become hardened and thickened.

Medical Procedures and Surgeries Stent Procedures Bypass Surgery Angioplasty Radiofrequency Ablation

                                                      

Non-Controllable Risk Factors Increasing Age Family History Gender

Controllable Risk Factors Tobacco Smoke High Blood Cholesterol High Blood Pressure Physical Inactivity Obesity & Overweight Diabetes Mellitus Stress Diet and Nutrition

ABC's of Preventing Heart Disease, Stoke and Heart Attack                                                                                                                                                                                 

Attack Warning Signs Chest Discomfort – Pressure, Squeezing, Fullness or Pain. Discomfort in areas other than the upper body include pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Shortness of Breath Other Signs: Cold Sweat, Nausea or Lightheadedness.

Stroke Warning Signs Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. Sudden, severe headache with no know cause

Benefits of Exercise: For the heart: *pumps more blood with each beat *heart muscle get stronger *pumps more blood with each beat *works more efficiently For the blood vessels: *healthy elastic arteries allow more blood flow *less risk of atherosclerosis *less risk of a blood clot leading to heart attack

Ways to Assess Cardiovascular Fitness Step Test One Mile Run Pacer Test 12 minute Walk/Jog Beat The Bell Treadmill Test Sub Max Bike Test

Foods for Fighting Heart Disease Fish – High in omega – 3 fatty acids, Including salmon, tuna, mackerel, lake trout and sardines. Nuts – Especially walnuts and almonds (eaten in place of foods containing saturated fats). Oatmeal, Oat Bran, and cold cereal made from oatmeal or oat bran, which have been shown to lower cholesterol. High diet in beans Rich in whole grains – Oatmeal, popcorn Onions and Garlic (Chop or crush to release the photo nutrients) Fruits and Veggies – 5 servings a day

Foods to Consider Avoiding Meats with 96% or more fat, red meats, hot dogs, and hamburgers High Fat Dairy Products e.g., cheese, full fat yogurt, whole milk, ice cream Fried foods Sugar Salt (for those with high blood pressure)‏ Candy, baked goods, and ice creams made with fats High fat snacks, chips Pies and pastry’s