The fact is, that more women die of cardiovascular diseases each year than from all forms of cancer, chronic lung disease, pneumonia, diabetes, accidents and AIDS combined. Heart attack and stroke can strike at any age. About 32 thousand babies are born each year with heart defects. Doctors say that 30 percent of all infant deaths are heart disease-related. Four million children have above normal blood pressure and 27 million children already have high blood cholesterol.
Many studies show that one-third of our nation's children are obese.
Every day, about 9 million children are exposed to second hand smoke by a family member. If current trends stay constant, about 3.5 million of today's 83 million children will eventually die from heart and blood vessel disease. Here are a few additional sites that may provide information relating to cardiovascular health and medicine . For more information on the AHA's Statistical Update . Inc. All rights reserved.