More than 60 million Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease. It is the leading cause of non -accidental death in this country. Major risk factors include high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and overweight, smoking, inactivity, heredity, age and male gender.
Contributing factors include stress, changes in hormonal levels and heavy alcohol consumption. It has been shown that people who are overweight and carry most of their weight around their middle are at higher risk for heart attacks, than those who carry their weight distributed over their frame.
Page 1
- Distinguish between cardiovascular disease, heart disease and coronary artery disease.
- How does high blood pressure increase the risk of cardiovascular disease?
Page 2 and 3 - What is the difference between visceral and subcutaneous fat? Which type of fat is associated with cardiovascular disease and why? Measuring your waist with a tape measure is useful in determining amount of visceral fat a person is carrying. What is a healthy waist measurement in inches for a man and woman?
Page 4 and 5 - Stress may be a contributing factor to cardiovascular disease. Explain.
- How does regular physical activity decrease your risk for cardiovascular disease?
Sample Solution
