Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the US. One in four people are afflicted with some form of the disease, which amounts to roughly 61 million Americans. CVD is attributed to 42% of all deaths, taking almost 1 million lives each year.

Common, yet serious, conditions that fall under the CVD umbrella are: atherosclerosis, angina, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attack, heart failure, stroke and arrhythmia. If cardiovascular conditions are detected early on, the odds of combating their effects and possibly reversing them altogether can be increased significantly.

Understanding Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular Disease encompasses all diseases related to the cardiovascular system, including dysfunctional conditions of the heart, arteries and veins that supply oxygen to vital life-sustaining areas of the body such as the brain, the heart itself and other vital organs.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the most common of the cardiovascular conditions and lies at the root of most of the major diseases affiliated with the heart. Atherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries caused by the slow buildup of plaque on the inside walls of the arteries.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), occurs when atherosclerosis results in a partial or total blockage to the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the muscles of the heart. CAD is the most common underlying cause of heart attack.

Angina is the medical term used to describe chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not get enough blood. Usually the pain starts in the chest behind the breastbone but may also occur in the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, throat, stomach or back. Angina can be a sign of an impending heart attack.

Heart attacks occur when a clot in the coronary artery blocks the supply of blood and oxygen to an area of heart muscle. Often, the blockage leads to cardiac arrhythmia, an abnormally high or abnormally low heart rate that causes a severe decrease in the pumping function of the heart and may bring about sudden death.

A Stroke is caused by an inadequate oxygen flow to the brain. Strokes that don