Cardiovascular Disease – CVD

Summary

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., despite major advances in treatment and prevention. While deaths from heart attacks have declined, other heart-related conditions like heart failure and arrhythmia are on the rise. Lifestyle factors and chronic conditions such as physical inactivity, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension continue to drive risk. Early screening, education, and adopting heart-healthy habits are key to reducing the burden of CVD. Key details listed below.

Why Is Heart Disease the Leading Cause of Death in the U.S.?

• Heart disease has been the top cause of death for over a century.
• A recent study found that age-adjusted death rates have dropped 66% in 50 years; heart attack deaths down nearly 90%.
• Deaths from heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertensive heart disease are rising.
• Advances in prevention and treatment help people live longer with chronic conditions.
• Risk factors like obesity, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and inactivity are increasing.

Complications & Life-Threatening Conditions

• A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked by a blood clot. If this clot cuts off the blood flow completely, the part of the heart muscle supplied by that artery begins to die.
• Heart failure, sometimes called congestive heart failure, means the heart isn’t pumping blood as well as it should. Heart failure does not mean that the heart stops beating — that’s a common misperception. Instead, the heart keeps working, but the body’s need for blood and oxygen isn’t being met.
• Arrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm. There are various types of arrhythmias. The heart can beat too slow, too fast or irregularly. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.
• Bradycardia, or a heart rate that’s too slow, is when the heart rate is less than 60 beats per minute. Tachycardia, or a heart rate that’s too fast, refers to a heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute. 
• Stroke -  An ischemic stroke, which is the most common type of stroke, occurs when a blood vessel that feeds the brain gets blocked, usually from a blood clot. When the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off, some brain cells will begin to die. This can result in the loss of functions controlled by that part of the brain, such as walking or talking. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel within the brain bursts. This is most often caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Sudden Cardiac arrest is the abrupt loss of heart function in a person who may or may not have been diagnosed with heart disease. It can come on suddenly or in the wake of other symptoms. Cardiac arrest is often fatal if appropriate steps (CPR) aren’t taken immediately. Cardiac Arrest vs Heart Attack Infographic 

Screening for Heart Disease

• Know your family history of heart disease.
• Regularly monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose.
• Ask your health care provider about using the American Heart Association’s PREVENT™ Equation to assess your overall risk for heart disease.
•  Heart-Health Screenings | American Heart Association

How to Lower Your Risk

• Know your numbers and follow the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8
  • Health Behaviors: Eat better, be active, quit tobacco, get healthy sleep.
  • Health Factors: Manage weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar, manage blood pressure.
• The best prevention for cardiovascular disease begins early in life – we even have a Life’s Essential 8 for kids – it’s never too early to be heart healthy.
• How to Help Prevent Heart Disease At Any Age | American Heart Association

Please consult with your physician or healthcare team about what is best for your health. 

Helpful Links:

• Statements & Guidelines | Statistics
• Embargo and Recording Policies
• Images | General B-roll and Animations
• Association Newsroom | @HeartNews 

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries and American Heart Association Expert Perspective:214-706-1173; AHAcommunications@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org