Recognizing Your Risk for Cardiovascular Disease Lesson 1

Just what is CVD? Cardiovascular disease or CVD is an umbrella term used to identify diseases of the heart, such as: coronary heart disease, diseases of the blood vessels, (including hypertension and stroke), and diseases that lead to a heart attack.

How Does CVD Affect Kentuckians? CVD is the leading cause of death in Kentucky and the nation CVD will kill more people in Kentucky this year than all forms of cancer, pneumonia, flu, and traffic accidents combined 73 counties in KY have CVD rates above the national average

How Do These Numbers Affect Life in Kentucky? Heart disease is the leading cause of premature permanent disability among working adults African-American women experience the highest rates of heart disease Heart disease is the leading killer of females

The Cost of CVD Effects the Overall Economy in Kentucky Hospitalizations, medical costs Workforce is depleted Millions of dollars spent in county funding Staggering prescription drug costs

So What is My risk for CVD? The risk factors for CVD are the same risk factors that contribute to poor health, chronic disease, and premature death.

Risk Factors Modifiable Non-Modifiable Blood Pressure Cigarette Smoking Obesity Alcohol Intake Blood Cholesterol Sedentary Lifestyle Type 2 Diabetes Diet Stress Non-Modifiable Age Gender Family History

What Does My Risk Profile Say…?

Modifiable refers to things that we can change… Non-modifiable refers to those things we cannot change…

What is my county’s risk profile for CVD?