Cardiovascular diseases have become the biggest killers of human beings on the planet. Heart attacks and strokes are major killers in all parts of the world.

An estimated 17.5 million people died from cardiovascular disease in 2005, representing 30 % of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 7.6 million were due to heart attacks and 5.7 million were due to stroke.

The biggest problem is that we just keep on trending upwards. Experts fear that if a global lifestyle modification is not implemented the death toll of cardiovascular diseases will reach 20 million people by 2015. That is right around the corner.

What you can do to stop cardiovascular diseases
First and foremost, if you smoke, stop today. If someone in your family smokes get as much literature on cardiovascular disease as you can and make them read it, for you kids if no one else.

Your chance of stroke or heart attack decreases the minute you stop smoking.

Second, start your new exercise regimen immediately. Daily exercise is available to everyone; you just have to make yourself do it.

Stretching, cardiovascular training (walking is great), and weight bearing exercises are the cornerstone to getting all aspects of your body, especially your heart, in shape.

Third is diet. Do your research and find a diet that you can make into a lifestyle. You need to find a meal plan that you can adopt for the rest of your life.
Once you learn how to eat properly, the occasional cheat meal is not nearly as detrimental.

Believe me I know what I am talking about; I lost 150 pounds 10 years ago. I have been able to keep it off because I developed a new eating lifestyle, I do not go on diets.

Fourth, if you have any other diseases you have to try doubly hard to gain control.

Diabetes, Cancer, Kidney, Liver, and Bacterial Diseases all work together to subdue your organs abilities to work properly. These make diet and exercise even more important to preventing or at least controlling cardiovascular diseases.

Fifth, see your doctor often if you have a history of cardiovascular disease in your family.

There is seldom an outward indication that you have high blood pressure. The same goes for an impending heart attack or stroke.

Lastly, if you are having a heart attack or stroke find help immediately.

You ability to survive any attack of cardiovascular disease goes up exponentially if you get help within the first 10 minutes.

If you have a history of cardiovascular disease, be sure to get a bracelet or necklace that lets the first responder know your history in the event that you are unconscious or ca not speak.

Control the disease, do not let it control you!