Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease refers to all disease which involves the heart and/or blood vessels, arteries and veins. These problems are most commonly due to consequences of atherosclerosis, but also can be related to infection, valvular and clotting problems. Over 50 million Americans have heart and cardiovascular related problems. It is the number 1 cause of death in the United States. By the time that cardiovascular heart problems are detected it is often too late. Cardiovascular diseases include: aneurysm, angina, arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, cardiomegaly, cardiomyopathy, carditis, endocarditis, heart failure, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disorder, hypertension, rapid pulse, and heart attack. Other forms of cardiovascular disease are:\n* Angina pectoris, leading to PTCA or CABG\n* Myocardial infarction\n* Transient ischemic attacks (TIA's)\n* Cerebrovascular accidents/Strokes\n* Peripheral artery disease (PAOD) \n