American Heart Association Statistics Committee And Stroke

American Heart Association Statistics Committee And Stroke Statistics

The assignment requires an analysis of the prevalence, risk factors, and implications of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and hypertension, with a particular focus on African Americans. It involves discussing what constitutes cardiovascular disease and hypertension, their impact on health, especially within the African American community, and the importance of management and prevention strategies. Emphasis is placed on understanding how socioeconomic and genetic factors influence disease prevalence, and how lifestyle modifications can mitigate risks.

Paper For Above instruction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) encompasses a broad range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. According to the American Heart Association (2014), CVD remains the leading cause of death worldwide, emphasizing its global health significance. The term refers to any abnormal condition involving the heart or vasculature that impairs normal function, often resulting from atherosclerosis, hypertension, or other vascular pathologies. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a key risk factor for developing CVD and is characterized by excessive force exerted by blood against artery walls (AHA, 2014). It is categorized into primary hypertension, which has no identifiable cause, and secondary hypertension, resulting from underlying health conditions (AHA, 2014).

The impact of CVD on the United States population is profound, especially among African Americans, who experience disproportionately high rates of hypertension and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2014) reports that approximately 44% of African American men and 48% of women suffer from cardiovascular disease, highlighting a significant public health concern. Genetic predispositions, such as inherited sensitivity to sodium, contribute to the heightened prevalence among African Americans, as Fuchs (2011) notes that their ancestral genetic makeup results in increased blood pressure in response to salt intake. Additionally, socioeconomic factors exacerbate disease risk; individuals with lower socioeconomic status face greater barriers to healthcare access and are more likely to engage in behaviors that promote hypertension and CVD, such as poor diet, physical inactivity, and smoking (Clark & Obinnaya, 1995).

The consequences of unmanaged hypertension and CVD are severe, including increased risk of heart attack, stroke, disability, and death. The prognosis worsens with poor medication adherence, which affects over half of the diagnosed population (Baroletti & Dellorfano, 2010). Preventative strategies focus on lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low in sodium, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption (Halbert et al., 2010; Van Camp, 2014). These measures have proven effective in reducing blood pressure and, consequently, lowering the risk of cardiovascular events. Health education and community-based interventions tailored to at-risk populations can further enhance prevention efforts.

In conclusion, while some risk factors like age and genetics are beyond immediate control, managing modifiable risk factors such as hypertension through lifestyle changes and medication adherence remains paramount in reducing the burden of CVD, especially within vulnerable populations like African Americans. Addressing socioeconomic disparities and increasing awareness about healthier lifestyle choices are essential steps toward mitigating the disproportionate impact of cardiovascular diseases and improving overall public health outcomes (Mandal, 2013). Continued research and targeted interventions are necessary to close the gap in cardiovascular health disparities and reduce the lifelong risk associated with these conditions.

References

  • American Heart Association. (2014). High Blood Pressure. Retrieved October 2, 2015, from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure
  • Baroletti, S., & Dellorfano, H. (2010). Medication Adherence in Cardiovascular Disease. Circulation, 121, 1954-1964.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Heart Disease. Retrieved September 24, 2015, from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/index.htm
  • Clark, L., & Obinnaya, E. (1995). Coronary heart disease in African Americans: primary and secondary prevention. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 62(5), 385-394.
  • Fuchs, F. D. (2011). Why Do Black Americans Have Higher Prevalence of Hypertension?: An Enigma Still Unsolved. Hypertension, 57(3), 376-377.
  • Mandal, A. (2013, May 30). What is Cardiovascular Disease? News Medical. Retrieved from https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Cardiovascular-Disease.aspx
  • National Youth Development Office (NYDOH). (2012). Cardiovascular Disease. Retrieved from https://nydoh.org/cardiovascular-disease
  • Van Camp, G. (2014). Cardiovascular disease prevention. Acta Clinica Belgica, 69(6), 407-411.
  • World Health Organization. (2011). Global status report on noncommunicable diseases. Geneva: WHO Press.
  • Zuhlke, L., Mirabel, M., & Marijon, E. (2013). Congenital heart disease and rheumatic heart disease in Africa: recent advances and current priorities. Heart, 99(21), 1554-1561.

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