Chapter 10 – Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke
The American Heart Association reports that nearly half of all U. S. adults have some type of cardiovascular disease. The most recent report said 121.5 million adults in the U.S. – 48 percent based on 2016 figures – have cardiovascular disease. Heart disease was the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S. and stroke was No. 5, the same ranking as in the previous year. That information and a link to the report can be found here: https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/01/31/cardiovascular-diseases-affect-nearly-half-of-american-adults-statistics-show
Coronary heart disease—often simply called heart disease—is the main form of heart disease. It is a disorder of the blood vessels of the heart that can lead to heart attack. A heart attack happens when an artery becomes blocked, preventing oxygen and nutrients from getting to the heart. Heart disease is one of several cardiovascular diseases, which are diseases of the heart and blood vessel system. Other cardiovascular diseases include stroke, high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), and rheumatic heart disease. (NIH, 2017)
Arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis is a form of cardiovascular disease that involves a thickening and hardening of the arteries. Arteries narrow from deposits of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. These deposits, called plaques, accumulate on arterial walls and can restrict blood flow. Coronary arteries, which supply the heart with blood, and cerebral arteries, which supply the brain with blood, are particularly susceptible to plaque build-up. The blockage of a coronary artery causes a heart attack and the blockage of a cerebral artery causes a stroke.
Heart Attack
A Myocardial Infarction is otherwise known as a heart attack. This MI can be seen with the symptoms of Angina Pectoris: crushing chest pains, profound shortness of breath, left arm pain, radiating jaw pain or middle back pain. These signs and symptoms of heart attack are very serious and should be recognized as soon as possible and should be taken care of ASAP.
What to do if you suspect someone having a heart attack. (Mayo Clinic)
- Call 911 or your local medical emergency number. Don’t ignore or attempt to tough out the symptoms of a heart attack for more than five minutes. If you don’t have access to emergency medical services, have a neighbor or a friend drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself only as a last resort, and realize that it places you and others at risk when you drive under these circumstances.
- Chew and swallow an aspirin. If advised to do so by 911, unless you are allergic to aspirin or have been told by your doctor never to take aspirin. Seek emergency help first, such as calling 911.
- Take nitroglycerin, if prescribed. If you think you’re having a heart attack and your doctor has previously prescribed nitroglycerin for you, take it as directed. Do not take anyone else’s nitroglycerin, because that could put you in more danger.
- Begin CPR if the perso