Heart disease is the number one leading cause of death in the United States, according to The Heart Foundation. Fortunately, we know enough heart disease information to also know that many of these diseases can be prevented. But, to prevent these deaths and sickness, people have to know heart disease information. Spreading awareness, knowledge, and preventative measures through heart disease information can help lessen the number of individuals affected by these diseases in the United States yearly. Additionally, heart disease information can also help individuals find treatments and discounts on treatments they would otherwise be unaware of, like the programs offered through The RX Helper.
Heart Disease Information Regarding the United States
Along with being the leading cause of death, heart disease actually causes more deaths than all forms of cancer put together. 25% of the entire population of the United States will die of a heart disease. Every minute, another American dies from some kind of heart disease. With neglected health, rising obesity rates, and millions of tons in packaged and chemically enhanced foods being eaten a year, these rates are seeing no real decline.
Women, Ethnicity, and Heart Disease Information
Heart disease seems to affect specific groups of people more than others. Ethnic groups like African Americans and Hispanics, for example, die more of heart disease than any other diseases, including cancer. Asian Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders’ leading cause of death is cancer, but heart disease is a close second. Women are also at a higher risk of developing heart disease, as it takes the life of one of every 7.5 American women. Although breast cancer is a huge threat to women, heart disease is up to 5 times more likely to be diagnosed in American women. Every year since 1984, more lives of American women have been taken due to heart disease than men.
Types of Heart Diseases
Coronary Heart Disease: The most common type of heart disease, this type is when the arteries are hardened due to clogging caused by high cholesterol levels. According to The Heart Foundation, almost 380,000 Americans die of this type of heart disease every year.
Heart Valve Disease: A heart valve is the exit of one of the heart chambers. A heart valve disease is when the valve either doesn’t open and shut properly or doesn’t allow enough blood through to the heart.
Congenital Heart Disease: This type of heart disease is present at birth. No one is sure to the direct cause of this condition, but fortunately, it can be corrected with surgery. It involves a defect to either or both the vessels and the heart.
Cardiomyopathies: Your heart is a muscle, and if it is too large, it cannot do its job as easily. These types of heart diseases involve either an overly large or hardened heart, making it difficult to pump blood as needed.
Preventative Measures Can Save Lives!
All too often, individuals don’t recognize the symptoms of heart disease or even the symptoms of a heart attack. This can lead to increasing development and death by eventual heart attack. Keep out for symptoms of both heart disease and heart attack which may include:
- Chest pain
- Head, neck, jaw, arm, and stomach pain
- Inability to breathe easily
Additional to the physical symptoms of a heart attack, you can be aware of your risk for developing heart diseases by contacting your doctor. There are a few early signs of developing heart disease that your doctor can point out to you including:
- High cholesterol levels
- High blood pressure
- Poor nutrition
- Smoking and/or drinking in excess
- Lack of exercise
Treatment for Heart Disease
If you have talked to your doctor about your risk for heart disease, you may be given a prescription to manage your underlying condition or heart disease. To find out if The RX Helper can help with the cost of your prescriptions, visit our website to view the list of our discounted medications. Want to become a member and start receiving discounts on prescription medications? Give us a call today at 877-767-3297 to speak with an experienced employee about our patient assistance programs.