There are few diseases we are winning the war on today. Most diseases are rising at an alarming rate, costing consumers billions of dollars annually. One of the worst is cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association displays some pretty distressing statistics: Previous to 2003, three in 1,000 men between the ages of 35-44 were diagnosed with cardiovascular disease (CVD). In 2006 it was 77 per 1,000. The Framington Heart Study done between 1980-2003 concluded that the risk for CVD was two in every three men and more than one in every two women at age forty. 2009 estimates 80 million people (one in three) have one or more types of cardiovascular diseases. Costs for CVD in the U.S. alone in 2009 was $475.3 billion! Contrast that with cancer, which ran $228 billion for the same year. Both out of control, both very sad statistics. CVD is a financial and emotional burden for families and taxpayers alike.

Here are some more sobering statistics: One in 2.8 deaths in the U.S. was due to CVD in 2005. Some 2,400 Americans die of CVD each day, an average of one every 30 seconds. CVD claims about as many lives as cancer, lower respiratory diseases, accidents and diabetes combined. Idaho ranks in the top dozen states for the highest number of strokes. In 2002 statistics reveal two million babies were born with congenital heart defects.

An additional 200,000 per year are born with small defects that heal without medical intervention. High blood pressure accounted for 73,600,000 people in 2005, and is two to three times more common in women taking birth control pills.

One hundred years ago CVD was practically non-existent. What's happening? For one thing, our diets are so nutritionally depleted that we don't have a chance at having a healthy heart. Here is some more statistics to support this: The average consumption of whole grains is less than half serving/day, fruit 1.1 servings/day; vegetables 1.2 svgs/day; nuts, legumes and seeds 1-2 servings per week; processed meats 2.1-3.4 svgs/week; sugar sweetened beverages 12/week (and up to 23/week for teens); sweets and bakery deserts 6/day (up to 9 for teens). (All above stats are from Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics - 2009 Update, American Heart Association).

With the consumption of processed meats, sugar sweetened beverages and sweets ranking far above whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes, is it any wonder we have CVD. Further that with processed foods such as microwavable dinners, fast foods, chips, and other forms of junky foods - why are we even surprised? Heart disease is a nutrition-based disease, any way you look at it. We have replaced healthy whole foods and vitamins with synthetic, nutrition-less fakes. We can't build a healthy heart with non-foods. This is only the tip of the iceberg.

If you want to learn how to have a healthy heart, come to our upcoming health class, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Health, on Wednesday, November 3rd at 7 p.m. in CDA. Fee: $10. RSVP: 208-765-1994.

Dr. Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with over 30 years of experience. Dr. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d'Alene clinic. Visit Dr. Carling's website at www.vitalhealthandfitness.com to learn more about Dr. Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Dr. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.