Epidemiology of cardiovascular disease in the United States

Abstract

A brief review of cardiovascular disease incidence and risk factors for coronary heart disease and cardiac failure is presented. The emphasis is placed on evidence from large scale prospective studies, and the pertinent US guidelines and recommendations for care are provided. Key risk factors are considered, including lipids, blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes mellitus. Additional information is also given concerning the role of vitamins, homocysteine metabolism, and left ventricular hypertrophy. This review focuses on commonly accepted risk factors that are of particular interest to health professionals.