US Pharm. 2006;2:8.
Cardiovascular disease is the
leading cause of death in the U.S., but many are unaware of their individual
risk. More than half of all cardiovascular deaths are due to coronary heart
disease (CHD). This year, approximately 700,000 Americans will have a new
coronary attack and about 500,000 will have a recurrent attack. The American
Heart Association's report, "Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics--2006 Update,"
estimates that 71.3 million American adults have one or more types of
cardiovascular disease (CVD), and 43.9 million are younger than age 65.
My guess is that most people, especially
those under 65, don't think they will have a stroke or heart attack.
Nevertheless, it happens. We all know of someone who has suffered either
event, from mild heart attack or ministroke to a permanently disabling or
fatal one. Pharmacists are well positioned to educate their patients and their
community about the importance of cholesterol testing, blood pressure checks,
controlling diabetes, taking their medications as prescribed, and knowing
their lifestyle risk factors. Too many of us smoke, overeat, don't take needed
medications, or get little physical activity.
The dramatic rise in the prevalence of
obesity and type 2 diabetes is fueling an increase in hypertension,
hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis. It is not surprising that some 65 million
Americans have high blood pressure; 13.2 million have CHD (7.2 million,
myocardial infarction, and 6.5 million, angina pectoris); 5 million, heart
failure; and 5.5 million, stroke. (The latest estimates of prevalence of CVDs
are based on NHANES 1999–2002 [see this month's TrendWatch
on page 10]).
The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) projected that in 2005, the cost of heart disease and stroke
in the U.S. would exceed $394 billion. To reduce risk factors for heart
disease and stroke, the CDC suggests:
• People should avoid tobacco use, eat healthier foods, control diabetes, and be more physically active.
• Community health settings need to have systems in place that will improve the quality of care that high-risk patients receive.
• Employers can offer health screenings and follow-up services to help employees control their blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They can offer adequate insurance coverage for health services that aim to prevent heart disease and stroke.
• Educating the public about
signs of a heart attack and stroke and the importance of calling 911 quickly
is an important step to improving the chances for survival and minimizing the
damage that can occur following a heart attack or stroke.
As you read the articles in this issue,
consider the difference you can make. Encourage your patients to learn about
their risks and strategies for prevention.
Laura La Piana Simonsen
Executive Managing
Editor
To comment on this article, contact editor@uspharmacist.com.