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Essay On Heart Disease In The United States

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There are many people in the United States that suffer health problems that range from serious illnesses like various types of cancers and diseases, to not-so-serious illnesses like the common cold. I believe that the most primary health problem in the United States is heart disease, and I believe this for many reasons. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the CDC, “Heart disease is the is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women.” The American Heart Association, or the AHA, states that heart disease (and other cardiovascular diseases) kills more Americans annually than all cancers, including Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease, combined. Another shocking statistic, presented by the American Heart Association, states that …show more content…

The four most common death-resulting forms of heart disease in the U.S are Coronary Heart Disease, stroke, Heart Failure, High Blood Pressure, and diseases of the arteries. Coronary Heart Disease is its main form, when there is a blocking in the arteries which leads to less nutrients and oxygen going to the heart, therefore increasing the risk of heart attack. (NHLBI) When there is fatty accumulation in your arteries they become blocked. Stroke is when there is a blocking of blood flow in a vein in the brain (blood clot) that results in the damage and even death of brain cells. Having a stoke can result in severe handicap-ness/non-functioning vocal cords and/or arms and legs, death, but full recovery through rehabilitation is also possible. (AHA) Heart failure is not when your heart stops beating, rather it is when the amount of blood and oxygen pumped by your heart is not enough to sustain the other organs in your body.

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