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 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 of heart attack of nonsmokers.
Nearly one-fifth of all deaths from cardiovascular disease, or about 180,000 deaths each year, are attributable to smoking. Surveillance data indicate that an estimated 1 million young people become regular smokers each year. Lack of Physical Activity People who are sedentary have twice the risk of heart disease of those who are physically active. Despite these risks, America remains a predominantly sedentary society. Surveys have shown that more than half of American adults do not practice the recommended level of physical activity, and more than one-fourth are completely sedentary.