What is Cardiovascular Disease?
Heart disease and stroke are the principal components of cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD claimed roughly 12,597 lives in 2004 in South Carolina, making it the leading cause of death. More South Carolinians die from CVD than the total number of people who died from all forms of cancer, pneumonia, influenza, and car accidents combined. Referred to as one of the states in the "Stroke Belt," South Carolina has a high stroke mortality (death) rate, especially among African-Americans. Furthermore, both cardiovascular disease morbidity (prevalence or incidence of disease) and mortality increase with age, and the population is aging rapidly. The 2004 population for South Carolinians over age 60 was 718,375.
Cardiovascular disease also significantly impacts minorities and the elderly, two groups that are well represented in this state. Because of South Carolina's population distribution, cardiovascular disease prevention and control present a unique challenge. Those who suffer from but do not die of cardiovascular disease will almost certainly suffer a reduced quality of life, because CVD prevents its victims from living their lives on their own terms.
Recovering from cardiovascular disease requires significant lifestyle changes for both the sufferer and perhaps his or her family. It is important to know and reduce risk factors, to know warning signs, know how to respond quickly and properly if warning signs occur, and to follow recommended physical activity and nutrition guidelines.
- Risk Factors for Heart Disease
- Tobacco smoke
- High blood cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Physical Inactivity
- Obesity & overweight
- Diabetes
- Risk Factors for Stroke
- Heart Attack Warning Signs
- Chest discomfort
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body
- Shortness of breath
- Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
- Stroke Warning Signs
How to Respond Quickly and Properly
If you or someone else is showing warning signs of heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately. People who pass out before reaching the emergency room should receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
For health benefits to the heart, lungs, and circulation, perform any moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic activity for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. These activities are especially beneficial when done regularly:
- Brisk walking, hiking, stair-climbing, aerobic exercise
- Jogging, running, bicycling, rowing and swimming
- Activities such as soccer and basketball that include continuous running.
If you have not exercised in a long period of time, please consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Fruits, vegetables and grains tend to be low in fat and have no cholesterol. Most are also good sources of dietary fiber, complex carbohydrates and vitamins. The American Heart Association suggests that you eat foods high in complex carbohydrates and fiber (some kinds of soluble fiber, such as oat bran, when eaten in large amounts in a diet low in saturated fat, may reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol). The American Heart Association suggests eating 25-30 grams of dietary fiber per day.