Cardiovascular disease - Term Paper Example

Introduction Medical science has evolved to the point where there are many diseases and illnesses that can be treated or at least can be managed through the use of different medications. Some of these diseases are genetically based and there is no control over the progression of the disease. Others are caused by external factors such as lifestyle and the environment. One of these diseases that have become a popular topic in the field of medicine and health care is cardiovascular disease, especially in American culture.

According to trends and medical statistical data, every twenty five seconds, an American will suffer from a heart related medical condition and around every minute, an American will die from one (Centers for Disease, 2011). Discussion Cardiovascular disease can be caused by a multitude of both determinant factors as well as a variety of environmental factors. There has been research done which suggests that certain people have a genetic predisposition for the development of cardiovascular related diseases.

In particular, some people have a genetic defect that results in the muscles of the arterial wall in the heart, which makes a person more prone to heart attacks. Another big factor, which has been stressed in the development of cardiovascular disease, is living a poor lifestyle. A majority of foods that are eaten today have are highly processed foods that are high in fat and sodium. This can lead to the build up of plaque in the heart and other cardiovascular related structures. A lack of exercise leads to diseases such as obesity and diabetes, which are comorbid with cardiovascular disease (Slaymaker, 2011).

The use of tobacco products and alcohol has also been shown to increase one’s predisposition to the development of cardiovascular related illnesses. It has also been shown that there are psychological conditions that can lead to the development of heart disease. In particular, stress has been linked to this. Stress and anxiety can lead to the secretion of hormones into the blood, which can put strain on the cardiovascular structures leading to high blood pressure, possibility of heart attack, etc (Hammer, et Al., 2010). There are many ways to avoid the development of cardiovascular disease.

The most common way to avoid this development is by living a healthy lifestyle. Exercise in general and staying away from a sedentary lifestyle can lead to the strengthening of cardiovascular structures. Eating healthy foods that are low in oils and saturated fats can slow down or eliminate the plaque buildup, which occurs in the heart, arteries, veins, etc. In addition, it has been shown that certain medications, such as Tylenol and Aspirin, can help prevent heart disease (Hung, 2003). As a result of the many Americans that are developing heart conditions, there is a considerable strain that is being put on healthcare and healthcare insurance.

Procedures and medications end up costing customers hundreds of dollars per year in medical insurance in order to have both surgical procedures paid for as well as custodial treatment in order to keep these conditions under control. In the light of all the recent changes to healthcare, the burden of all the additional patients currently being paid for and being treated has put a strain on the hospital system, which adds to the current economic problems as the result of the United States’ economic recession (Ashden, 2011).

Conclusion The first step in eliminating or decreasing the amount of cardiovascular disease progression is through education and programming. The government and school systems need to better educate the population on healthier lifestyles and choices. There also need to be rehabilitation and exercise programs that help those that suffer with problems such as obesity and heart disease get help in order to reverse these problems instead of relying solely on medicine. This movement from societal blame to individual accountability will help in stopping the rapid spread of this fatal disease.

References Ashen, D. (2010). Cost-effective prevention of coronary heart disease. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 6(10), 754-764. doi:10.1016/j.nurpra.2010.07.026 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (2011). Heart disease is the number one cause of death Office of the Associate Director for Communication, Division of News and Electronic Media. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/ Hamer, M.,M., Batty, G. D.,G.D., Stamatakis, E.,E., & Kivimaki, M.,M. (2010). The combined influence of hypertension and common mental disorder on all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality.

Journal of Hypertension, 28(12), 2401-2406. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/847595442?accountid=12774 Hung, J.,J. (2003). Aspirin for cardiovascular disease prevention. The Medical Journal of Australia, 179(3), 147-152. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/73529093?accountid=12774 Slaymaker, S. N. (2011). Association between adolescent obesity and an increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease. Weill Medical College of Cornell University). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/859270136?

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