Cardiovascular disease contributes to the death of 17 million deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
In the United States, more than 70 million Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease. About 2500 people die of cardiovascular disease every day. Cancer, the second largest killer, accounts for about half as many deaths.
Coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common form of cardiovascular disease, is the leading cause of death in America today. Thanks to clinical studies, researchers have found certain factors that play an important role in a person’s chance of developing heart disease.
For more information, go to our page on Heart Disease.
The atria and ventricles work together, alternately contracting and relaxing to pump blood through your heart. The electrical system of your heart is the power source that makes this possible. Your heartbeat is triggered by electrical impulses that travel down a special pathway through your heart. There are many signs of heart disease that become more common as we age.
For more information, go to our page on Heart Conditions and Diseases.
Most women, if asked, do not believe a heart attack is the greatest health risk they face. They would be wrong. The threat is very real, and understanding the signs and symptoms of heart attacks in women as well as your risk factors for cardiovascular disease can only increase your chances of surviving a heart attack.
For more information, visit Living Well’s article on How to Detect Heart Attacks in Women.