American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown released a statement last week regarding cardiovascular disease and the high-profile deaths of four celebrities this past holiday season.
Brown spoke of the seriousness of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite the strides made toward treatment and cure, heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular disease take the lives of more than 17.3 million annually.
"Just this week, news reports have linked cardiovascular disease to the recent deaths of musician George Michael, comedian Ricky Harris, actress and author Carrie Fisher, and just yesterday, her mother Debbie Reynolds," Brown said. "While we cannot speak to the specific details, these very public tragedies have raised many questions and concerns about heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. To answer some of these questions, and continue to raise awareness that may in turn help save lives, the American Heart Association is committed to increasing understanding of these conditions and providing information you need to know should you or a loved one experience symptoms."
Brown shared the four primary cardiovascular diseases that may affect families, friends, neighbors and celebrities.
***When blood flow to the heart is blocked, it results in a heart attack.
***Cardiac arrest is caused by a malfunction in the heart that results in an irregular heartbeat and the inability to pump blood to the brain and organs.
***If the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, the conditions is called heart failure.
***Strokes are caused by problems with the arteries that go to or are in the brain. A blood clot or bleeding can cause a stroke.
Quick recognition and treatment can prevent death from these cardiovascular conditions. In addition, by following an active and healthy lifestyle and following the doctor's treatment and medication plan, many cardiovascular events can be prevented.
