The Prevelence and Effects of Atherosclerosis - 1295 Words

The current epidemic of coronary heart diseases continues to increase as â€Å"cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally resulting in about 30% of deaths annually† (Jaleta, Gudina, Getinet, 2014) and with Atherosclerosis being one of the top diseases among African Americans and obese children. Atherosclerosis is described as the disease of clogged arteries from buildup of plaque, causing arteries to become narrow, thick, and stiff which makes blood flow very difficult to pass. As many factors do contribute to the growth of this disease, this literature review will discuss the factors of the African American race as well as children being affected by Atherosclerosis. The substances of the plaque is usually composed of cholesterol, fat, and calcium which sticks together to harden over time in the walls of the arteries. As a result of such action, narrowed arteries can cause blood clots which can overtime lead to a heart attack. Although it is a treatab le condition, lots of preventable methods are required to see improvements such as nutrition and exercise. In the Atherosclerosis current literature, many branches of this topic are discussed and treated while some are still unknown. The following subtopics will include Atherosclerosis disease and African American patients with heart disease, Atherosclerosis in obese and metabolically diagnosed children, the relationship of Atherosclerosis and multiple risks factors, and specific exercise and treatments