Cardiovascular Disease in American Culture - Term Paper Example

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. Cardiovascular disease can be caused by a multitude of both determinant factors as well as a variety of environmental factors. There has been researching was 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. 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. 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.