|
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death
in the U.S., claiming 871,517 lives in 2004, versus an estimated 555,270 deaths
due to all forms of cancer combined. Approximately 1 in 3 American adults - about
79.4 million - has one or more types of CVD. The final common pathway of all CVDs
is Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), and this population is poised to grow as the
world's population ages.
Leading Forms of CVD in the United States
| Disorder |
2004 Patients |
2004 Deaths |
2007
Treatment Cost*
($ Billions) |
| Total CVD |
79,400,000 |
871,517 |
431.8 |
| Coronary artery disease |
15,800,000 |
452,327 |
151.6 |
| Congestive heart failure |
5,200,000 |
57,700 |
33.2 |
| Stroke |
5,700,000 |
150,147 |
62.7 |
Source: American
Heart Association, 2007 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update. * Includes Direct
and Indirect Costs
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
CAD is caused by a narrowing of the coronary arteries that
feed the heart, resulting in reduced blood flow and insufficient oxygen delivery
to the heart muscle. This narrowing is due to inflammation and a buildup of cholesterol
and fats inside the coronary arteries. When a clot forms on unstable or vulnerable
plaque and then breaks off, this results in unstable angina, or what is called
today "acute coronary syndrome." When a coronary artery becomes completely blocked,
the result is a heart attack, or acute myocardial infarction. This can cause sudden
death or permanent damage to the heart muscle.
According to the American Heart Association, CAD will cause
well over a million heart attacks this year in the U.S.; of these, 700,000 will
be first attacks, and 500,000 will be recurrent attacks. 38% of the people
who experience cardiac arrest will ultimately die from it.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
CHF is a progressive deterioration of the heart over an extended
period of time. With CHF, the heart loses its ability to provide adequate blood
flow and oxygen to meet the needs of the body. CHF may be initiated and aggravated
by a variety of factors, including high blood pressure, defective heart valves,
CAD, infections of the heart muscle or the valves, and heart problems resulting
from heart defects. Because of the progressive nature of CHF, medical interventions
often take place over periods of months or years.
As CHF progresses, its severity can be categorized using the
New York Heart Association Functional Classification system:
CHF Functional Classification System
| Class |
Symptoms |
% of All CHF Patients |
5 Year Mortality Rate |
| Class I |
No symptoms and no limitation in ordinary physical activity. |
35-45% |
20% |
| Class II |
Mild symptoms and slight limitation during ordinary activity. Comfortable
at rest. |
25 |
>25 |
| Class III |
Marked limitation in activity due to symptoms, even during less-than-ordinary
activity. Comfortable only at rest. |
25 |
>50 |
Class IV
(End Stage CHF) |
Severe limitations on activity. Experiences symptoms even while
at rest. End stage patients are usually bed-ridden. |
5-10 |
>90 |
Sources: Medtech
Insight 10/00 newsletter; American Heart Association website
According to the American Heart Association, there are more than 5 million
cases of heart failure in the U.S., with 550,000 newly diagnosed cases of CHF
each year.
|
