Cardiovascular Disease: Addressing Risk Factors

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The American Heart Association has an influence on goals for cardiovascular health, recommending behavioral modification as the foundation to heart health and medications as a supplement to prevent cardiovascular disease. Diet, in conjunction with physical activity is a vital component both for primary and secondary prevention and at any stage of the disease. Several new ACC/ AHA guidelines have been released in 2013 pertinent to assessment of cardiovascular risk, management of high cholesterol, addressing overweight and obesity status, and emphasizing the use of life style for these disorders. The 2013 European Society of Hypertension /European Society of Cardiology and Joint National Committee 8 guidelines for hypertension are also discussed in the chapter. Information is provided on women’s cardiovascular health, aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids.

Keywords: Aspirin, body mass index, cardiovascular disease prevention, cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular risk assessment, diabetes, guidelines for cardiovascular risk assessment, guidelines for hyperlipidemia, healthy life style, hyperlipidemia management, hyperlipidemia screening, obesity management, obesity, screening for hypertension, statins and omega-3 fatty acids, women’s cardiovascular health.