Cardiovascular Disorders Sourcebook

Basic Consumer Health Information about Heart and Blood Vessel Diseases and Disorders, Such as Angina, Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Cardiomyopathy, Arrhythmias, Valve Disease, Atherosclerosis, Aneurysms, and Congenital Heart Defects, Including Information about Cardiovascular Disease in Women, Men, Children, Adolescents, and Minorities; Along with Facts about Diagnosing, Managing, and Preventing Cardiovascular Disease, a Glossary of Related Medical Terms, and a Directory of Resources for Additional Information

Statistics indicate that cardiovascular diseases account for more than one third of all deaths in the United States. In addition, more than 80 million Americans live with one or more forms of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke. Although cardiovascular disorders may sometimes produce sudden symptoms, such as chest or head pain, they may also develop silently, providing no warning of the heart and blood vessel damage being done. Fortunately, advances in disease detection, recommendations regarding lifestyle choices, new medications, and innovative treatments now make it possible to reduce-or even prevent-the disabling health consequences frequently associated with many common cardiovascular disorders.

Cardiovascular Disorders Sourcebook, Fourth Edition provides updated information about disorders of the heart and blood vessels. It offers anatomical facts, presents statistics, and identifies risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. It describes the treatment of common disorders, including angina, heart attack, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, valve disease, atherosclerosis, aneurysms, and congenital heart defects. In addition, it discusses diagnostic tests and concerns related to managing cardiovascular diseases with medicines, surgery, and lifestyle changes. The book concludes with a glossary and a directory of resources for further help and information.