Epidemiology (CVD) (Essay Sample)

Epidemiology
Name
Institution
Epidemiology
This work focuses on heart and stroke diseases that form the first and the third causes of deaths in the U.S. Most chronic conditions are costly but most are preventable through health lifestyles. Martin (2013) identifies several conditions like Alzheimer (and dementia), arthritis, cancer, COPD, diabetes, heart disease, HIV and cystic fibrosis among the chronic diseases affecting Americans. Cardiovascular diseases include coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke.
State of CVD
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are widespread and account for a third of all U.S. deaths (33.6%). CDC (2010) observes that in 2007, over 150,000 of deaths from CVD were from people younger than 65 years. The condition also leads to many disabilities of nearly 4 million people annually. In New York State, CVD kills all people of prime age and it is no longer a disease affecting men as previously thought. In 2007, it killed 59,000 residents. Statistics show that for every person who dies from CVD, 18 survive. One person dies of stroke as seven people survive while making others incapacitated to lead normal lives.
The cost of CVD is high with NY State estimating it at $32.6 billion. This was arrived after extrapolation from the national data. CDC (2010) estimates that over one in every 3 U.S. citizens (83 million) lives with one or more CVD condition. This translates to 795,000 strokes and 935,000 heart attacks needing medical attention. Most survivors were incapacitated and thus cost the State and Country workforce and revenue. Estimated direct and indirect costs of stroke on 2010 were $53.9 billion, heart failure $34.4 billion, hypertensive disease at $93.5 billion and $108.9 billion for the coronary heart disease. This indicates an increasing cost to the people and the government.
Risks
Poor living health styles are the leading causes of CVD. The relative risks include behaviors and conditions that increase chances of getting the conditions. Major risk factors are poor diet, physical activity, high blood pressure, tobacco use, diabetes, overweight/obesity and high blood cholest...