Heart Disease
Some 7 million Americans suffer from coronary heart disease (CHD), the most common form of heart disease. This type of heart disease is caused by a narrowing of the coronary arteries that feed the heart. CHD is the number one killer of both men and women in the U.S. Each year, more than 500,000 Americans die of heart attacks caused by CHD.
Many of these deaths could be prevented because CHD is related to certain aspects of lifestyle. Risk factors for CHD include high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity--all of which can be controlled. Although medical treatments for heart disease have come a long way, controlling risk factors remains the key to preventing illness and death from CHD.
What are the Symptoms of CHD?
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Chest pain
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Shortness of breath
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Heaviness, tightness, burning, or pressure in the chest, arms, neck, and/or jaw
Heart Disease Prevention
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Eat a low fat/low cholesterol diet
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Control weight
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Be physically active
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Don't smoke
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Control high blood pressure and diabetes
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Learn to manage stress
