The Possibility of Preventing Cardiovascular Disease

The Possibility of Preventing Cardiovascular Disease

''Cardiovascular disease kills one in 3 people in the uk''[1].

Although cardiovascular diseases are on the decline, it is still

Britain's biggest number 1 killer ''responsible for 40% of premature

deaths''[2]. The cardio-vascular system is responsible for supplying

the body with blood. The heart pumps blood around the body through

arteries, veins and capillaries, it is made of cardiac tissue and is

positioned in the thoracic region. Cardiovascular diseases occur when

blood and oxygen supply to the heart is restricted, it has 2 main

components:

* Diseases of the heart (Cardio)

* Diseases of blood vessels (Vascular)

Cardiovascular diseases cover a broad term of diseases and not jus one

condition. Some types of cardiovascular diseases cant be prevented

because some are congenital and you are born with them e.g.- Blue

baby- (''congenital heart defect in a new born baby''[3]) other types

of Cardiovascular diseases develop over a period of a lifetime and

often you can help prevent by taking action e.g.: exercise, a balanced

diet etc. I am going to have a look at the diseases and disorders of

the cardiovascular system and the factors contributing to the disease:

ARTHEROSCLEROSIS: a build up of fats including cholesterol, narrowing

the artery passage, hardening the vessel walls and loss of elasticity-

results in Coronary Heart Disease.

ARTERIOSCLEROSIS: degenerative type of disease, hardening of vessel

walls and loss of elasticity- this condition mainly occurs in the

elderly.

STROKE (CVA): decreased supply of oxygen to the brain.

ANGINA PECTORIS- symptom of a ...

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... considered

that CVD is a self inflicted disease because the lifestyle led by

sufferers has influenced the onset of the disease and therefore

avoidable. We will all die of something, and it's likely that heart

disease will always be one of the major causes of death, but as

mentioned above we can take preventative precautions to reduce the

risk.

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[1] British heart foundation(2004)www.bhf.org.uk

[2] Fit pro magazine (nov 2004) issue 101 page 25

[3] www.bbc.com/health (2004)

[4] British Heart Foundation (2004) www.BHF.org.uk

[5] Cholesterol level leaflet- BOOTS (2004)

[6] www.bbc.com/health (2004)

[7] www.Nhs.co.uk (2003)

[8]Fit pro magazine (october 2004) issue 100 page 31

[9] Fit Pro magazine(2001) issue 12 page 18