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Gabriella MastropasquaBiology Year 11

Cardiovascular d isease – A menace to society?Cardiovascular disease is the no. 1 worldwide killer of men and woman. In 2004 it claimed a staggering869,724 lives, with over 148, 000 being under the age of 65. 2005 showed an even more confoundingamount with an estimated 17.5 million deaths globally. It is predicted that by 2015, 20 million peoplewill die from this disease if the current trends of our lifestyle continue.Cardiovascular disease refers to a range of diseases that affect your heart, system of arteries or bloodvessels. These can include coronary heart disease (heart attacks), m

inor artery disease, aching heartdisease, heart failure, high blood pressure and stroke. While some people are unfortunately born withthese diseases, others may be acquired later on in life due to unhealthy lifestyle, tobacco use or lack of exercise. Usually cardiovascular disease is a result of conditions which have persisted or developedover a long period of time. Although in some cases it can strike suddenly such as heart attacks orstroke, which occurs when a vessel supplying blood to the heart or brain becomes blocked. There are many forms and causes of this disease but within Australia the main cause is

atherosclerosis.

This term refers to when fatty compounds or deposits such as cholesterol build up in the inner walls of blood vessels. This development is slow and complex, usually starting from childhood and progressingduring age Atherosclerosis is most serious when it affects the blood supply to the heart or brain,possibly resulting in a heart attack or stroke. Cardiovascular diseases which aren’t caused byatherosclerosis include heart valve diseases, heart infections and diseases of the heart muscle.Coronary artery disease is a common form of cardiovascular disease. It is the leading cause of heartattacks and is caused by atherosclerosis. Coronary artery disease means when the blood flow throughthe arteries becomes obstructed, interfering with blood flow to the heart. It is a largely preventabledisease which can further result in chest pains or heart attacks. The frequency of cardiovascular disease increases with age. It was reported that the amount of femaleswith this disease outnumbers males in every age group except 75 years and older. In 2004-2005 theoverall result showed that reported females acquired 20% of the population with cardiovasculardisease, in comparison with males 16%. People at risk from cardiovascular disease are those who haveattained an unhealthy lifestyle; lack of regular exercise, poor nutrition and tobacco use. Tobaccosmokers hold a higher risk of obtaining coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral (minor) vasculardisease. There are numerous management policies and programs in order to help decrease the number andoccurrence of cardiovascular disease. The ‘Jump Rope for Heart’ program discovered 1983 visits schoolsand encourages the students to engage in physical activity by playing jump rope and emphasizing theimportance of a healthy heart. The ‘Go For Red’ foundation is an organization which raises awarenessand vital funds for cardiovascular disease. Another group helping to manage heart disease is the ‘TheDiabetes & Cardiovascular Disease Group lead which focuses around the key objectives of preventionand well-being. There are many negatives which cardiovascular disease arises. If you don’t maintain a healthy lifestyleyou could end up with high blood pressure which requires constant revision and changes in the way youlive. To a more extreme yet possible extent, you can become paralyzed from or even die.I believe cardiovascular disease is a very serious issue, which needs to be taken into consideration byall individuals, as it can affect anyone of various ages. Cardiovascular disease is one of the biggestcauses of death and disability in Australia and continues to produce a burden on the population. . It isthe most expensive health condition costing 5.4 billion dollars of the total allocated health system

Gabriella MastropasquaBiology Year 11

money. In my opinion, people need to start learning more about this disease and the signs, but mostlylook to prevent it. Although it can strike suddenly, the risk of cardiovascular disease can be reduced bypeople becoming more active and healthy in their ways of living. It’s never too late to start exercisingor to give up smoking as these both add significantly to the risk of obtaining a heart attack or stroke. Ithink a society in general, need to become more aware of what causes this disease, and try to informthe people as much as possible about the consequences and prevention.Cardiovascular disease is and will continue to be a menace to society, until people realize the seriouseffects it can have on their health. I don’t think people are well aware or informed about what thisdisease actually is and the vast health conditions it causes. If families within a society become morenotified about the prevention and problems it can further arise, the number of fatalities will hopefullybe lessened, which in turn produces a more healthy and active society, benefiting all those part of it.

Bibliography

Get Involved

. (2005, May 20th). Retrieved October 26th, 2008, from Heart foundation:http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/About_Us/Information_About_Us/Privacy_Policy/Privacy_Policy.htmStaff, M. C. (2007, August 9th).

Cardio Vascular disease

. Retrieved October 25th, 2008,from Mayoclinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cardiovasculer-disease-/HB00032