Cardiovascular Disease (Cardiology)
Cardiovascular disease or cardiology is the study of the diseases and conditions that affect the heart and the blood vessels.
Leading cause of death[edit | edit source]
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, causing about 1 in 4 deaths.
Risk factors[edit | edit source]
High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. About half of people in the United States (47%) have at least one of these three risk factors.2 Several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can also put people at a higher risk for heart disease, including:
- Diabetes
- Overweight and obesity
- Unhealthy diet
- Physical inactivity
- Excessive alcohol use
Prevention[edit | edit source]
In the United States, the most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to heart attack. Since you can greatly reduce your risk for heart disease through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medications, prevention is an important part of cardiovascular medicine.
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