The economic burden of cardiovascular disease has a profound impact on the U.S. health care system, and this burden continues to grow as the population ages. This figure includes health expenditures and lost productivity resulting from illness and death. The use of expensive treatment, while often effective in delaying death from cardiovascular disease, is likely to continue to increase the financial impact of this disease on the nation. Risk Behaviors are Largely Responsible A limited number of health-related behaviors practiced by people every day contribute markedly to cardiovascular disease. Tobacco Use Cigarette smoking is a major cause of heart disease among both men and women.
Smokers have twice the risk for heart attack of nonsmokers.
Nearly one-fifth of all deaths from heart disease, or about 180,000 deaths each year, are attributable to smoking. Every day, more than 3,000 young people become regular smokers. Lack of Physical Activity Physical activity reduces the risk for heart disease and helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure. People who are sedentary have twice the risk for heart disease of those who are physically active. Poor Nutrition Overweight and obesity among U.S. adults have dramatically increased in the past decade.