Cardiovascular Disease: Risks, Symptoms and Prevention

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — A study released this week by the American Heart Association shows that more than 6 in 10 adults in the U.S. will have some some type of Cardiovascular Disease by 2050.

Cardiovascular Disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States. A new study by the American Heart Association shows that it may become even more common in the next 30 years.

“So, Cardiovascular Disease is a catch-all term for all sorts of disease that involve the arteries and vessels of the body,” said Novant Health Cardiologist Frederick Meine III, MD.

Meine says the disease can happen at any age, something many doctors did not know at first.

“Unfortunately, what we’re starting to see is that it is a disease of the elderly, but more and more it’s a disease of the young and the middle aged as well. So really, there’s no age that is free of having the risk of Cardiovascular or Cerebral-vascular Disease.”

Regardless of age, paying attention to your body is key. Jeffrey Burke is a patient of Dr. Meine’s and he noticed some small chest pains one day. Symptoms that ended with him eventually undergoing a heart bypass surgery.

“Even one thing, one problem for people especially in my generation is they’re reluctant of seeing doctors. It’s not a good idea to take risks and I’ve learned that by being dumb on a couple of occasions and my doctor has brought me up short,” Burke laughed.

It’s also important to note any risk factors you have. Dr. Meine said that includes things like diabetes, poor sleeping and exercises habits, and high blood pressure. But, you can reduce the risk.

“Most importantly, exercise every day. Watching your diet, never starting smoking and if you do, stop immediately.”