An Introduction to Preventing Cardiovascular Disease

 Cardiovascular disease is a name used to describe any condition that affects the heart ("cardio") or blood vessels ("vascular"). However, when most people talk about preventing cardiovascular disease, they are talking about preventing stroke and coronary artery disease (what most people refer to as just heart disease). Heart disease and stroke are the first and third most common causes of death in the United States, respectively, accounting for about 40 percent of deaths each year. Stroke is also the most common cause of permanent disability. Combined with the fact that cardiovascular disease is largely a preventable disease, it is no wonder that in the case of cardiovascular disease, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

 

The good news: Research shows that people can lower their risk for cardiovascular disease enormously -- by as much as 82 percent -- simply by adopting sensible health habits, regardless of their age, background, or health status. Protecting your body from the effects of cardiovascular disease can be as simple as taking a brisk walk, eating a heart-healthy diet, or getting the support you need to maintain a healthy weight. In addition, it's never too late to start protecting your cardiovascular health. A recent study shows that among people ages 70 to 90, leading a healthy lifestyle reduces the chances of dying from cardiovascular disease by nearly two-thirds.

 

The steps for preventing cardiovascular disease involve: