“Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of deaths in the United States [greater than 800,000, or about 1 in 3 overall deaths/year], with estimated annual direct and overall costs of $273 billion and $444 billion, respectively,”
The AHA (American Heart Association) recently announced seven recommendations for improving heart/cardiovascular health, which would result in lower cardiovascular-related deaths.
The recommended behaviors (cardiovascular health metrics) include:
- Not smoking
- Physical activity (being active)
- Having blood pressure under control
- Maintaining healthy blood glucose levels
- Maintaining healthy blood cholesterol levels
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Following a healthy and balanced diet
According to Scientist at the CDC, although rates of smoking are down, other risk factors such as obesity have not improved. Recent research from the CDC has found these variables to be the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease and by focusing on these risk factors, one could have a much lower long term risk.
Check out Medical News Today for the complete article.
