1. Cardiovascular Health Key Concepts What are some diseases of the cardiovascular system? What behaviors can maintain cardiovascular health?

2. Key Terms Atherosclerosis Heart attack hypertension

3. Cardiovascular Diseases Leading cause of death in the U.S. Atherosclerosis and hypertension are 2 diseases of the cardiovascular system

4. Atherosclerosis A condition in which an artery wall thickens as a result of the buildup of fatty material Cholesterol – a waxy substance Results in reduced blood flow Can develop in coronary arteries, which supply heart muscle – may lead to a heart attack Heart attacks occur when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked. Cells die and the heart is permanently damaged

6. Treatment for Atherosclerosis Mild – low fat diet and moderate exercise program. Medications that lower cholesterol levels may be prescribed Severe – may need to undergo surgery or other procedures to unclog blocked arteries

8. Hypertension Also called high blood pressure A disorder in which a person’s blood pressure is consistently higher than normal (140/90) Makes the heart work harder May damage the walls of the blood vessels No obvious symptoms – called the silent killer

10. Treatment of Hypertension Hypertension and atherosclerosis closely related – As arteries narrow, blood pressure increases Mild – regular exercise and careful food choices - May need to limit sodium More severe – medications are needed to lower blood pressure

11. Keeping Healthy Exercise regularly, Eat a balanced diet that is low in: saturated fats (butter, whole milk and ice cream) trans fats (margarine, potato chips and doughnuts cholesterol (red meats, eggs and cheese) Sodium (table salt, processed foods – soups and snacks) Avoid smoking – smokers are twice as likely to have a heart attack as nonsmokers

12. Sources http://www.ohiohealth.com/bodymayo http://www.biotech-weblog.com http://www.nmh.org/nmh/adam/adamencycl opedia/Imagepages/18018.htm http://www.nmh.org/nmh/adam/adamencycl opedia/Imagepages/18018.htm http://www.medem.com/medlib/article/ZZZI 58IAQ8D http://www.medem.com/medlib/article/ZZZI 58IAQ8D