Despite significant reductions in morbidity and mortality, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States today. It represents a wide array of illnesses, including heart attack, angina, congestive heart failure, sudden cardiac death, hypertension, stroke and diabetes mellitus.

As we age and gain weight, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease only increases. There are multiple risk factors, most importantly hypertension, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes. A family history of early or premature heart disease also raises the risk.

According to Donald J. DiPette, M.D., chairman and professor of internal medicine at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, the good news is there are many new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease.

"Aggressively lowering the blood pressure or cholesterol levels decreases cardiovascular events in those affected," Dr. DiPette said. "In addition to lifestyle changes such as weight reduction, decreasing the salt in our diets, increasing physical activity and moderating our alcohol consumption, we have many safe and well-tolerated medications to treat hypertension."

Individuals must understand the risk factors directly involved in cardiovascular disease and take responsibility for modifying these factors to live longer, healthier lives, Dr. DiPette added.

The Texas A&M Health Science Center provides the state with health education, outreach, and research. Its five components located in communities throughout Texas are Baylor College of Dentistry, the College of Medicine, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the Institute of Biosciences and Technology and the School of Rural Public Health.

Texas A&M University System Health Science Center
2121 W. Holcombe Blvd.
Houston, TX 77030
United States
tamhsc.edu