Leading Causes of Death in the US 1. Heart disease: 597,689 2.Cancer: 574,743 3.Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 138,080 4.Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 129, Accidents (unintentional injuries): 120,859 6.Alzheimer's disease: 83,494 7.Diabetes: 69,071 8.Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis: 50, Influenza and Pneumonia: 50, Intentional self-harm (suicide): 38,364

Cardiovascular Disease Statistics In the US, heart disease has been the leading cause of death nearly every year since Only the flu pandemic of 1918 exceeded heart disease as the country's number one killer. If all major forms of heart disease were eradicated, the average lifespan in the US would be nearly seven years longer. Long considered a disease of affluence, cardiovascular disease is now a major presence in all but the poorest countries, accounting for twice as many deaths in developing countries as in industrialized nations. The emergence of heart disease in developing countries is directly attributable to the effects of industrialization and urbanization.

Cardiovascular Disease Statistics More than two of every five Americans die of cardiovascular disease. One million Americans/year experience a heart attack. About 400,000 of them die. Men suffer heart attacks about 10 years earlier in life than women do. About 36 million people in US need drugs to control cholesterol levels. The statin drug industry (cholesterol medication) earned $13 billion in Cigarette smoking sends 400,000 Americans to premature death each year.

Cardiovascular Disease Types of Heart Disease A. Congenital Heart Disease Present at birth, genetic or developmental Example: septal defect B. Cardiac Arrhythmias Abnormal heart rhythm, related to electrical conduction problems Example: tachycardia, atrial fibrillation

Cardiovascular Disease Types of Heart Disease C. Cardiac Infection Caused by bacteria or virus Example: myocarditis D. Valve Diseases/Disorders Valves don ’ t function properly, blood flows improperly Example: ‘ heart murmur ’ E. Coronary Artery Disease Problem with cardiac blood supply Example: myocardial infarction

Atherosclerosis The progressive narrowing and hardening of the arteries over time.

Atherosclerosis Causes:

Atherosclerosis Risk Factors:

Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis : Coronary Artery Disease -atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries

Atherosclerosis Coronary Artery Disease : Heart Attack

Cardiovascular Disease Common Steps Leading to a Heart Attack Coronary Artery Disease Heart Attack 1.Irritant damages arterial wall 2.Repair process begins 3.Cholesterol builds up at injury site 4.Plaque builds over time 5.Plaque bursts 6.Blood clots 7.Heart cells die