Heart Disease and Cholesterol
Heart disease is the leading killer of Americans,
striking down about 500,000 people each year,
primarily by heart attack (ATP III). The majority
of these deaths are caused by coronary
artery disease.
More than 20% of Americans have some form of coronary artery disease.
Many people with heart disease experience symptoms,
but others don't. If a person who has heart disease
doesn't have symptoms, he or she may not be aware
a problem exists. This lack of knowledge can
be dangerous, because a third of all first heart
attacks are fatal. Common symptoms include chest
pain, pain that radiates from the chest up into
the jaw or down the arms frequently associated
with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea/vomiting,
and feelings of pending doom.
High cholesterol can increase your risk of
developing heart disease, but the good news is
that you can take steps to lower your cholesterol.
Reviewed by: Joyce Ross, MSN, CRNP
Last updated: November 2005
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