Health Risks of Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Disease

Cardiovascular disease, which affects the heart and its blood vessels, is the leading cause of death in the United States, while pulmonary disease, which affects the lungs, is the fourth leading cause of death.

Cardiovascular Disease

• Plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries of your heart, reducing the amount of blood your heart receives. Reduced blood supply to your heart can result in a heart attack, which if not treated immediately may lead to death.

Pulmonary Disease

• Irritants such as smoke, pollen, and pollution cause airflow obstruction, leading to the development of pulmonary disease. Severe obstruction prevents you from receiving enough oxygen to your lungs, resulting in death.

Risk Factors

• Your risk for heart disease increases if any member in your immediate family has had heart disease, if you are male, if you are 65 years of age or older, and if you smoke.

  Your risk for pulmonary disease increases if you are a smoker.

Symptoms

• Symptoms associated with heart disease are a pain or discomfort in your chest that may radiate to your arm, neck, jaw, or back.

  Symptoms of pulmonary disease include chronic cough and frequent respiratory tract infections.

Treatment

• Treatment for cardiovascular disease varies based your symptoms, a physical examination, and diagnostic testing.

  Treatment for pulmonary disease includes bronchodilators, antibiotics, and smoking cessation.