The key risk factors of heart disease include smoking, high blood pressure, and a high LDL cholesterol. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (2012), approximately half of Americans have one risk factor or more. This has much to do with sedentary lifestyle behaviour such as limited amount of walking and exercise, heavy dependence on automobiles, and the consumption of fast food. In fact, it is estimated that eight out of ten Americans consume fast food at least once per month (Andrew Dugan, 2013). Additionally, due to prevalence of unregulated advertising, advertising schemes for tobacco cigarette smoking, alcohol and fast food chains encourage individuals to participate in activities that increase CVD risk factors (World Heart Federation 2010). In response to these growing issues, the US has taken various initiatives to control and prevent cardiovascular …show more content…
The sedentary lifestyle in the US also causes CVD as it leads to risk factors associated with the disease. It could be argued that the lack of a universal healthcare system is delaying the progress of resolving the issue of CVD in the US. Although the CDC and AHA are taking various initiatives such as employing web based data management systems and providing CPR education training, the main root of the issue may be the fact that people are not aware of their early warning signs and symptoms as they cannot afford regular check-ups. In addition to the initiatives and programs set by the CDC and AHA, the issue of heart disease in the US needs to be tackled from a wider national scale where individuals are not deprived of access to basic healthcare and patients are informed of necessary lifestyle changes and measures to take to prevent Cardiovascular