Heart Disease Facts

Taking the time to know the facts about heart disease is one of the first steps to help with prevention. Here are some facts relating to heart disease that may help you with your battle so you can win easily.

1. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women in America.

2. Heart disease death rate per 100,000 populations for the five largest cities in the U.S. based on racial and ethnic groups are Hispanics 69.2, Asians and Pacific Islanders 73, American Indians 82.5, Blacks 189.8, and Whites 235.5.

3. Coronary heart disease is the principle type of heart disease. In 2005 over 445,000 died of coronary heart disease, which equals 68.3% of all heart disease deaths that year.

4. 47% of all cardiac deaths occur before emergency services or transportation to the hospital.

5. Heart disease is projected to cost more than $304.6 billion, which includes the health care services, medications, and time off work.

6. In 2005, more that 7.6 million people died from heart disease worldwide.

7. Risk factors noted in 2003-2004 for adults with heart disease were contributed to 32.1% of people 20 years or older with hypertension or taking medication for hypertension; 16.9% of people 20 years or older with high cholesterol; 10% of people 20 years or older with doctor diagnosed diabetes; 32% of people 20 years or older with obesity; 18.4% of people 18 years or old that smoked; and 39.5% of people 18 years or older that did not have a standard exercise regimen.

8. 37% in 2003 reported having two or more of the risk factors for heart disease and stroke, which include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, current smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, and diabetes.

9. In 2005, 92% of people suffering from chest pains recognized the symptoms of the possible heart attack with only 27% correctly knowing they were having a heart attack and contacted the emergency authorities for assistance. Timely access to emergency services can mean the difference between life and death. Knowing the signs and symptoms of heart attacks can and will save your life when you act accordingly.

10. According to studies, people with heart disease can lower their risks of heart attacks when they lower their cholesterol and blood pressure as well as avoiding needing surgery for heart bypass and angioplasty. To reduce the risks, take the steps to lower the blood pressure and cholesterol.

11. According to studies of people without heart disease, they reduce their potential risks of heart disease by lowering their cholesterol and high blood pressure.

When a person changes their unhealthy life style patterns, they reduce the risks of heart disease and strokes.