Heart Disease (Coronary Heart Disease (CHD))
What is it:
Heart disease is a broad term that includes several specific heart conditions. The most common heart condition in the United States is coronary heart disease (CHD), which can lead to heart attack and other serious conditions. CHD occurs when the coronary arteries, that supply blood to the heart muscle, become hardened and narrowed due to the plaque buildup. Plaques are a mixture of fatty substances including cholesterol and other lipids. Blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart can be reduced or even fully blocked with a growing plaque. Plaques may also rupture and cause blood clots that block arteries.
Who has it:
16 Million Americans (7.3 million women and 8.7 million men). Approximately 4 million (1 in 4) have few or no symptoms and are unaware that they are at risk for angina, heart attack, or sudden death.
Consequences:
$156 billion – the projected direct and indirect cost of CHD in the United States for 2008. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. Almost 800,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S. each year. That is about 29% of all U.S. deaths.
health & happiness
(years of potential life lost (YPLL))
