Cardiovascular disease includes a group of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. Cardiovascular disease the leading cause of death in the united states accounts for 42% of all deaths. About 25% of americans (approximately 59 million people) have one or more forms of heart or blood vessel disease. Approximately 1.5 million heart attacks have occurred every year in the last few years, and more than 500,000 of these resulted in death each year. A total of 300,000, or 60%, of these deaths occurred before the victim reached a hospital emergency room. However, a significant number of these premature deaths could have been prevented with early treatment.Of heart attack victims, 50% wait an average of 2 hours before seeking medical attention. Denying the possibility that a heart attack is occurring is the primary reason for the delay. The symptoms of a heart attack are similar to those of other physical ailments, and people are more prone to believe that it is one of the other problems rather than a heart attack.

Although the figures are foreboding, substantial progress has occurred during the last 40 years. The death rate for cardiovascular diseases has declined by approximately 51 % since 1950. Although an impressive accomplishment, it is somewhat diminished by the fact that cardiovascular diseases remain by far the leading cause of death in the united states. Two types in particular, coronary heart disease and strokes, are the first and third leading causes of death. More than 50% of the premature deaths in our society are attributed to lifestyle habits. Authorities therefore agree that preventive measures emphasizing risk reduction strategies that involve lifestyle changes will produce the most dramatic benefits in the fight against heart disease. Also contributing to the downward trend in the death rate from cardiovascular disease are more sophisticated diagnostics, improved treatment, and prompt recognition of impending heart attacks.