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Chronic Disease Table And Paper

Define the chronic disease.
Heart disease defines many different diseases that affect the heart. Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease. Coronary artery disease is a “condition in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries.” (National Institute of Health [NIH], 2008) Plaque is made of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances found in the blood. The buildup of plaque will cause the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle to become hardened and narrowed. As the buildup continues, the amount of blood that flows through the arteries will lessen. This inadequate blood and oxygen to the heart will cause angina or a heart attack. Most heart attacks occurs “when a blood clot suddenly cuts off the hearts blood supply, causing permanent heart damage.” (NIH)
Explain risk factors and incidence.
Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in the United States in both men and women. (NIH, 2008) The American Heart Association has identified several risk factors that increase the risk of coronary artery disease. The risk factors that cannot be changed include age, sex and heredity. “Over 83 percent of people who die of coronary artery disease are 65 or older.” (American Heart Association [AHA], 2008) Men have a greater risk of heart attack than women do. They also have attacks earlier in life. “Even after menopause, when women’s death rate from heart disease increases, it’s not as great as men’s.” (AHA, 2008) Children of parents with heart disease are more likely to develop it themselves. “African Americans have more severe high blood pressure than Caucasians and a higher risk of heart disease. Heart disease risk is also higher among Mexican Americans, American Indians, native Hawaiians and some Asian Americans.” (AHA, 2008) This is the result of higher rates of obesity and diabetes. Most people with a strong family history of heart disease have one or more other risk factors.
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