Cardiovascul ar Fitness Part II

Cardiovascular Disease LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN BOTH MEN AND WOMEN Diseases associated with Cardiovascular Disease: AArrhythmia (irregular heart beat) CCardiomyopathy (heart muscle malfunction) CCongenital Cardiovascular Disease (structural abnormalities) CCongestive Heart Failure (weak heart) CCoronary Artery Disease (fat and calcium build up in heart arteries) HHeart Attack (heart does not receive blood)

Diseases Continued...  Peripheral Vascular Disease (low blood flow to the extremities) Peripheral Vascular Disease  Rheumatic Fever (strep infection)Rheumatic Fever  Stroke (lack of blood to part of brain) Stroke  Thoracic and Abdominal Aortic Disease (Aneurysm) (bulging of blood vessel wall) Thoracic and Abdominal Aortic Disease (Aneurysm)  Valve Disease (malfunction of heart valve) Valve Disease

Risk Factors that cannot be controlled  Age: The older a person is, the more likely he/she will have a blockage in his/her blood vessels.  Gender: Adult males are more likely to have cardiovascular problems than adult women. The presence of estrogen in women seems to protect them from heart problems, but they may still suffer from heart disease.  Race: Some races have higher incidences of cardiovascular problems. For example, African Americans have a higher rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than Caucasians.  Diabetes: People who are diabetic have a higher incidence of cardiovascular problems.  Heredity: Individuals who have a history of cardiovascular problems in their families are also likely to have the same problems.

Risk Factors that can be controlled  Smoking: Stop if you smoke; even better—don’t start.  Stress Level: Practice stress management techniques.  Obesity: Eat a healthy, low-fat diet and exercise regularly.  Inactivity: Exercise regularly (3-6 times a week for minutes each time).  High Cholesterol: Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet including fruits and vegetables each day (5-a-day, all the way!).  High Blood Pressure: Exercise, eat a healthy diet, and decrease salt intake. Risk Factors that can be controlled