According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic diseases refer to human health conditions of long durations, which have generally low progression. Such diseases generally include stroke, cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and heart disease. They have been considered the leading cause of mortality in the world at about 63% of all deaths. Research also reveals that most of the premature deaths, about ninety percent of these deaths occurring under sixty years occur in low and middle-income countries. A cardiovascular or heart disease refers to the umbrella term for the disorders that affects the blood vessels such as the capillaries, arteries, and veins, the heart, or both. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among those 65 years or older, the second leading among those aged 45 to 54, and the third leading those between 25 and 44 (p. 98).
High cholesterols and elevated lipids or fats in the bloodstream are a major risk for heart disease. The excess lipids circulate through the body, and accumulate inside the artery walls leading to atherosclerosis (p. 99). The higher the low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol level, the higher the risk of heart disease. Victims of heart disease have to prevent medical crises such as heart attacks and manage them when they occur. They also need to control the symptoms relying on personal judgment in addition to prescribed regimen. Additionally, the victims should carry out the prescribed regimen and manage their associated problems. Adjusting to changes in the course of the disease, normalizing lifestyle and interaction with other members of the society, and financing treatments and survival are some of the challenges that these victims have to deal with them.
Work Cited;
Ferrini, Rebecca. Health in the Later Years. 1221 Avenue of the Americas New York City, U.S.: McGraw-Hill Education, 2007. Print.
