Overview of Chapter 1

Hypertension

74.5 million Americans - 34 percent of U.S.adults - have hypertension.Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and kidney disease.

Cardiovascular Disease

81.1 million Americans - 37 percent of the population - have cardiovascular disease. 13 Major risk factors include high levels of blood cholesterol and other lipids, type 2 diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure),

Cancer

Almost one in two men and women - approximately 41 percent of the population - will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime

Diabetes

Nearly 24 million people - almost 11 percent of the population - ages 20 years and older have diabetes.The vast majority of cases are type 2 diabetes, which is heavily influenced by diet and physical activity.

Osteoporosis

One out of every two women and one in four men ages 50 years and older will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.